ONE of BBC Wiltshire Sound's key presenters, Shirley Ludford, has resigned.

The presenter, who has been called the voice of Swindon, will broadcast on the mid-morning show for the last time on Saturday, May 25, after handing in her notice at the beginning of the month.

Speaking to the Evening Advertiser, Shirley, who has been with the BBC for 13 years, explained the reasons behind her decision.

"Recently I've taken some time out to consider my future and have found lots of exciting new ventures happening in the town," she said.

"I've decided to leave the station to pursue some of these opportunities. They will range from supporting community and arts ventures to various forms of broadcasting. My 24 years in the business will be put to good use. I will be staying in Swindon and will be honouring any personal commitments I've undertaken supporting local events."

Speaking of her time at the station, she added: "I've enjoyed some excellent opportunities and presented all kinds of programmes.

"These have included hundreds of live outside broadcasts from Calne to the Champagne region of France, with local people from the town crier to the lady with frogs living in her kitchen cupboards. I have also worked with numerous celebrities, everything from cooking on stage with Anthony Worral-Thompson to an interview and a drink with Sir John Mills.

"The eight years co-ordinating the Children In Need Appeal and sell-out shows at the Wyvern Theatre were magic, if exhausting.

"The job has always been about people, and for me it always will be.

"I wish continued success to my colleagues at BBC Wiltshire Sound and am sure the station will continue to go from strength to strength."

In September 2000, Shirley Ludford was taken off air and given a backroom research job under controversial changes by managing editor Vernon Harwood.

The shake up, which included the shelving of fellow presenter Sandy Martin's daytime slot and the axing of the record breaking soap opera Acrebury which had been broadcast for 25 years, divided opinion at the station and caused outrage among some of the listeners who mounted a vocal campaign in support of Shirley.

More than 2,000 people signed a petition and picketed the station's Old Town offices.

In January last year, Mr Harwood left his post to be replaced by Tony Worgan.