Veteran US comedian Jon Stewart has made his final appearance as host of The Daily Show, with help from a few celebrity guests.

Stewart, 52, appeared emotional as the satire news show's current and former correspondents and writers paid tribute to him after 16 years as host.

He also received taped messages from several high-profile guests including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and John McCain.

South African comedian Trevor Noah, 31, takes over the Comedy Central show on 28 September in New York.

'Not the end'

"Nothing ends. It's just a continuation. It's a pause in the conversation. So rather than saying goodbye or good night, I'm just going to say: I'm going to get a drink, and I'm sure I'll see you guys before I leave," Stewart said in his final monologue.

He urged his audience to remain vigilant of political hypocrisy and misinformation, saying: "If you smell something, say something."

Earlier on in the show, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton was one of many to poke fun at the comedian in a video montage, saying she would not miss him.

At one point, incoming host Noah crept up behind Stewart and measured out the news desk in preparation for his arrival.

US singer Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band closed the programme with performances of Land Of Hope And Dreams and Born To Run.

The episode gained glowing reviews. The New York Times said: "After 16 years of taking satirical aim at the hypocrisy of politics and the fatuousness of the news media, Jon Stewart said goodbye to The Daily Show on Thursday evening with a farewell broadcast that mixed wry parting shots with earnest displays of emotion."

President Barack Obama had paid tribute to Stewart while appearing on the programme in July, calling him "a great gift to the country".

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