BBC's director of news Fran Unsworth to leave the corporation

The BBC's director of news Fran Unsworth is to leave the corporation early next year, it has been announced.

A lifelong BBC employee, she took charge of the BBC's news and current affairs division in 2018.

She is also one of the 12 people who sit on the BBC board, which sets the broadcaster's overall strategy.

Unsworth, who will leave in January, said it had been "a great privilege" to work for the BBC for more than 40 years.

"I have had a ringside seat at some momentous events, including the Falklands War, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, wars in the Middle East, the death of Princess Diana, 9/11 and countless general elections," she said in a statement.

"The jobs I've done have not always been easy. Undoubtedly, some were more fun than others. But I am proud to have done all of them - and to work for an organisation which has such a vital and precious role in the UK and around the world.

"The BBC is free of commercial and proprietorial pressure. Our bosses are the audiences we serve. I am honoured to have been be part of it."