Sir Trevor to leave News at Ten

Sir Trevor McDonald has had an extensive career in journalism

Veteran newsreader Sir Trevor McDonald is to make his last appearance as co-presenter of ITV's News at Ten next month, the broadcaster has confirmed.

The 69-year-old will stand down from the high profile job after presenting coverage of the US elections.

Sir Trevor said: "I've made no secret of the fact that I cannot be in the presenter's chair forever."

He will continue working on the Tonight programme, and presenting high profile documentary projects.

'Opportune moment'

Mark Austin, who is currently part of the News at Ten team, will join Julie Etchingham as the regular co-presenter of the programme.

"I've tremendously enjoyed the opportunity to help re-establish News at Ten over the last year and to work alongside Julie Etchingham, who is a fantastically talented journalist," Sir Trevor said.

"Anchoring ITV News's live coverage of a hugely exciting and historic US election seems the opportune moment to leave on a high."

He was awarded the OBE in 1992 and a Knighthood in 1999

Sir Trevor McDonald has co-presented News at Ten since the revived bulletin - taken off air in 1999 - returned in January this year.

ITV's Peter Fincham said: "Sir Trevor McDonald is the leading news broadcaster of his generation and is responsible for many landmark television news moments.

"Whilst I'd like to pay tribute to his work for ITV News and ITN over the last 35 years, I am delighted that he will be staying with the network and working on a range of projects for ITV1."

The presenter was awarded the OBE in 1992 and a Knighthood in 1999.