A much-loved regional news TV presenter is set to leave our screens later this month.

Sally Taylor, who has presented BBC South Today for nearly 40 years, will broadcast her final show on March 20.

She is the longest-serving female presenter of a flagship BBC regional news programme and has been a fixture on the show since 1987.

Reflecting on her decision to retire, Sally said: “I fell into television 40 years ago and never thought I’d still be doing it today, but the time has come to hand over the reins to someone else who I hope will cherish the job as much as I have.

"Being the presenter of a daily 6.30pm BBC Regional Programme is one of the best jobs in television.

“South Today has given me opportunities that would never have been possible anywhere else and I’m so grateful for that.

"At the heart of everything we do is the relationship with our audience, I feel very honoured that they have shared and trusted me to tell their stories. It’s been wonderful!”

After retiring from the TV screen, she intends to devote more time to her role as a counsellor after training in recent years.

Before joining South Today, Sally worked at BBC Spotlight in Plymouth.

During her time at the BBC, she has covered major stories across the south region, including the historic departure of the Royal Yacht Britannia and the Covid pandemic.

Sally has also reported on significant international and political events, including ten general elections and the end of the Bosnia War with military medics.

A personal highlight of her career was a pioneering live broadcast from Antarctica alongside the crew of HMS Endeavour.

Sally's career also included presenting BBC Radio Solent's daily mid-morning show and a lively Saturday morning show for the station.

Peter Cook, senior head of content production for South, added: "Sally is a broadcasting legend.

"She’s had an incredible career at the BBC and earned the respect and affection of our viewers who have trusted her to tell them what’s happening and why.

"She’s a talented broadcaster, a brilliant journalist, and a great colleague."