Martha Kearney to leave BBC Radio 4's Today programme

Martha Kearney is to step down as a presenter of BBC Radio 4's Today programme later this year.

Kearney joined the flagship morning news show's line-up from sister programme The World At One in 2018.

She said she had "loved" working on Today, but it was "time to move on to pastures new - literally".

Kearney will stay on the station to host a new series called This Natural Life, talking to interviewees about their experiences of the natural world.

She will also continue to present episodes of Open Country.

"I am really looking forward to sharing my passion for nature in an exciting new series as well as a much-loved favourite programme," she continued. "And I won't be missing that 3am alarm call."

BBC director general Tim Davie paid tribute to Kearney as "an outstanding Today presenter, thanks to her hallmark incisive questioning, warmth, and connection with the audience".

Kearney will leave the programme after the next general election, which is due to take place later this year, although a date has not yet been set.