Young believes viewers will see a big difference

Young, made famous as the TV channel's original news anchor when it began broadcasting in 1997, fronted the flagship 1730 GMT bulletin on Monday.

Five's five-year deal with Sky began on 1 January after the station announced in March that it was dropping ITN.

Station bosses said Sky would provide "bigger, better news" than ITN, its provider since the channel's launch.

Young, whose regular spots on Five are the channel's bulletins at 1730 GMT and 1900 GMT from Monday to Wednesday, said viewers would benefit from the change to Sky.

"The resources at Sky News are fantastic, we have increased capabilities in outside broadcasts and graphics and viewers will really see a difference on screen."

The deal sees Sky providing unrestricted access to its 24-hour news operation, including its seven international bureaux.

Kate Sanderson, formerly of BBC Breakfast News, has joined the new Five News team.

Julie Etchingham, Sky News Today anchor, will also present the flagship bullletins on Thursday and Friday.

Nick Pollard, head of Sky News, said: "We've assembled a cracking team and the combination of a new look, an injection of fresh ideas and the energy and sparkle of Sky News will reinvigorate Five News."