Changing faces of BBC Wales news

Sara Edwards is to develop new projects for BBC Wales

BBC Wales television presenter Sara Edwards is leaving the evening news programme Wales Today after 20 years to pursue other projects in BBC Wales.

Ms Edwards is to present her final programme on Friday and is said to have "several projects in the pipeline".

In the same announcement, it was revealed that ITV Wales presenter Lucy Owen is joining the programme.

Ms Owen, who currently presents the ITV Wales news, started her career at BBC Radio Wales.

Ms Edwards has co-presented Wales Today since 1987.

She said: "Presenting Wales Today has been a huge part of my life but now I have been offered the opportunity to look ahead and develop other plans.

The support of the viewers has always meant a great deal to me and I now look forward to continuing our friendship through other programmes Sara Edwards

"It has been a pleasure and a privilege to broadcast the news to the people of Wales.

"The support of the viewers has always meant a great deal to me and I now look forward to continuing our friendship through other programmes."

During her BBC Wales career, Ms Edwards has not only anchored Wales Today but has also presented a number of documentary series including Counties of Wales, Rivers of Wales, Sara Edwards' County Set and Great Houses with Sara Edwards.

Her BBC Radio Wales programmes include Sara's People and Food Matters.

Mark O'Callaghan, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Wales, said Ms Edwards' work for BBC Wales would include presenting this year's BBC Wales' Children In Need coverage.

He said: "Sara is a tremendous ambassador for BBC Wales, and is the ultimate professional.

Lucy Owen is to join BBC Wales to present Wales Today and X-Ray

"She has been a superb anchor for Wales Today and I am sure she will continue her excellent work fronting new projects."

Lucy Owen is to join the BBC Wales newsroom later this year and present Wales Today along with Jamie Owen.

In addition to presenting news and general programmes in Wales, Ms Owen has also worked on ITV's network news programmes.

She has anchored breaking news stories such as the Iraq elections, the Beslan school siege, developments on the Madeline McCann story, the Ipswich murders and the latest from conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel.

Ms Own said: "I'm very excited about returning to BBC Wales.

"I started my broadcasting career on Radio Wales so it feels as if I'm coming home.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at ITV Wales but presenting Wales Today has to be one of the biggest jobs in Welsh broadcasting."

Mr O'Callaghan added: "Lucy is a very experienced and well respected journalist and her return to BBC Wales will be a real asset to the programme."