Peter Sissons is moved from BBC's 10 o'clock slot

Peter Sissons, the veteran presenter of BBC 1's News at Ten O'Clock, is to stand down as anchor, the BBC confirmed last night.

Sissons is expected to move to BBC News 24 and to deputise for Sir David Frost on Frost on Sunday.

Sissons, who has just turned 60 and is reportedly on a two-year contract, accused the BBC of having ageism as its "biggest blind spot" in today's Observer.

"I've been to too many leaving parties for people who've turned 50 and they're at the height of their powers and they're out," he said.

Speculation on a replacement for Sissons has centred around Fiona Bruce, Huw Edwards and George Alagiah.