Sir David Steel has formally closed the first four-year session of the Scottish parliament.

MSPs now face a five week campaign before the May 1 election.

Speaking in the chamber, the presiding officer said: "From porters to policemen, from caterers to clerks, we have built a highly professional parliamentary staff for which I am deeply grateful."

Reflecting on his four years as presiding officer Sir David said "I do feel I leave having made 128 permanent friends".

"I simply end by wishing you all well and saying, thank you, thank you, thank you," he said.

MSPs paid tribute to Sir David - who retires as presiding officer on Thursday.

First minister Jack McConnell said Sir David "had served Scotland well".

He praised his "sure hand and light touch" and wished him well in retirement.

"His presence has given as a stability and an opportunity for this young parliament to grow," he said.

SNP leader John Swinney said "we are in the process every day of creating a new history".

Swinney praised an "individual of wise guidance and wise leadership".

"He has chaired our proceedings, he has been an ambassador on our behalf," he said.

"At all times he has acted with fairness and with dignity in his work," added the SNP leader.

Tory leader David McLetchie paid tribute to the "distinguished service" of the presiding officer.

He said the former SDP leader should "go back to your constituency and prepare for retirement".

Jim Wallace, the Lib Dem leader, said Sir David was someone who had "served with outstanding distinction" in a variety of roles.

"It is with warmth that we congratulate you on the distinguished way in which you have discharged your duties," he said.

Patricia Ferguson praised Sir David's "even-handedness and fairness" in chairing the parliament's corporate body.

"Sir David we thank you for the dedication you have shown to the role of presiding officer and in supporting this new parliament," she said.

The presiding officer is set to go on to become the lord high commissioner of the Church of Scotland.