ITV News Tyne Tees has unveiled its new presenter to replace Pam Royle, who left the channel on Friday.

Amy Lea will join Ian Payne on screen from tonight to present the evening news programme at 6pm.

She said: “I am beyond thrilled about being the new presenter at ITV Tyne Tees. It is the opportunity of a lifetime and I just feel incredibly privileged to have the chance to share the news - good and bad, funny, happy or sad, with all those watching where we live.”

During her career, she has reported on stories both home and abroad, including the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the manhunt for Raoul Moat and the Manchester Arena bombing, which killed six people from the North-East and North Yorkshire.

She joined ITV Tyne Tees as a production journalist in 2015, becoming an on screen journalist in 2018. She had previously worked in radio in the region.

Ms Lea added: “There is no doubt that this is the best part of the world and it's an honour to be a part of the very talented teams we are lucky to have at ITV Tyne Tees.”

She replaces former longstanding presenter, Pam Royle, whose final day on air was on Friday.

Co-presenter Ian Payne said: "I'm thrilled to be joined by Amy - she's a great talent, full of energy and enthusiasm. Pam's been my best friend and on-screen partner for such a long time - it's going to be a big change for us all, including our wonderful viewers, and I'm really looking forward to the start of another exciting chapter with Amy alongside me."

Head of News for ITV Tyne Tees, Michaela Byrne says “Amy brings a great track record of journalism to her new role and she will continue the legacy of Pam’s warmth and authority on screen. I’m very sure the viewers will come to love her as much as we already do.”