Huw Edwards: BBC News presenter to step down after 20 years

Huw Edwards, the BBC's main evening news presenter, is to step down after 20 years in the role.

The 61-year-old, who has been at the helm of the BBC News at Ten since 2003, will leave the programme in the spring.

Edwards has been a familiar face on British television screens for decades, having also presented the BBC's coverage of major events such as the 9/11 attacks, the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, and the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Edwards said he was "immensely proud" of his time at the BBC.

"It has been an honour to be part of such a brilliant team and to have shared so many important stories with our audiences," he said.

"However, after 20 years at the helm of the BBC News at Ten, I have decided it is time for a change.

"I am looking forward to new challenges and opportunities, but I will always cherish my time at the BBC."

BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid tribute to Edwards' "outstanding contribution" to the BBC.

"Huw has been a brilliant journalist and presenter, and his commitment to public service broadcasting has been unwavering," he said.

"He will be greatly missed by our audiences and by his colleagues at the BBC, but I wish him all the best for the future."

Edwards' departure comes at a time when the BBC is facing increasing competition from commercial rivals and online platforms.

The corporation is also facing pressure from the government to reduce its reliance on the licence fee.

Edwards' replacement has not yet been announced, but it is expected that the BBC will be looking for someone with a strong track record in broadcast journalism.