A much-loved BBC presenter is to step down after 35 years on our airwaves.

Mike Liggins, whose face - and voice - is recognised across the region, announced on social media that he is leaving the corporation.

The Look East presenter, who has made more than 6,000 reports for the show, will be on air until October 6.

His message on X - as Twitter is now known - read: "After 35 years, I've decided to leave the BBC.

Dereham Times: Mike Liggins opens the new building at Brooke School with the help of his daughter HannahMike Liggins opens the new building at Brooke School with the help of his daughter Hannah (Image: Newsquest)

"Time for a change.

"But what an adventure! I feel very lucky.

"I'll be on Look East till Oct 6th and after that I haven't got a clue! For now, I just want to say thanks to all my colleagues and to you the viewer/follower. Mike x"

The broadcaster began his career as a sports reporter on Mercia Sound in Coventry in 1984, before moving into news at ITV London Tonight.

He joined the BBC in 1987 and presented the Sunday morning breakfast programme on BBC Radio Norfolk.

Dereham Times: Mike Liggins filming for the BBC at Whitlingham in 2008Mike Liggins filming for the BBC at Whitlingham in 2008 (Image: Newsquest)

He is known for his amiable style on screen and his announcement triggered a wave of well-wishes from viewers and colleagues.

In response, he wrote: "Blimey. Thanks for all your likes and lovely messages. Don't think I can reply to all of them, but I've read them all and it really is very kind of you. Thank you so much."

His original message was accompanied by a side-by-side image of him now and when he started at the BBC.Dereham Times: BBC presenter Mike Liggins at his home in Brooke with his famiy Hannah (4), Harry (1) and wife Janette in 2004BBC presenter Mike Liggins at his home in Brooke with his famiy Hannah (4), Harry (1) and wife Janette in 2004 (Image: Newsquest)

Among those who reacted online to the news was fellow presenter Susie Fowler-Watt, who said she had cried when he told her, adding: "He is the best of the best, effortlessly funny and completely irreplaceable. Off air, he is also a fantastic colleague and a dear friend."

Amelia Reynolds, another BBC presenter, spoke of the "brilliant" Mike Liggins, referring to him as a "supportive and kind colleague and friend for the past 23 years" who would make her "roar" with laughter.

Dereham Times: BBC reporter Mike Liggins waiting for the 1951 steam train Oliver Cromwell to arrive on Platform Two at Norwich Train Station in 2018BBC reporter Mike Liggins waiting for the 1951 steam train Oliver Cromwell to arrive on Platform Two at Norwich Train Station in 2018 (Image: Ian Burt)

BBC Look East referred to Liggins as a "top storyteller, brilliant film-maker and all-round lovely bloke".

Health correspondent Nikki Fox, said: "A master of the arts. Should be knighted for services to storytelling. Every piece you watch, you learn.

"Difficult to express how much we admire Mike and how gifted people like this are so incredibly rare. Enjoy your next step, whoever you work with, they’ll be so lucky."