Raworth moved to London from the BBC's Look North in 1997

Former BBC Breakfast presenter Raworth, who previously co-hosted the Six O'Clock News, will take over from Ford, 62, when she steps down in April.

"I am thrilled to be taking on such a prominent role," said Raworth, 37.

"Clearly, Anna will be a hard act to follow, but it's a wonderful opportunity - and I still get to be home every afternoon for my children."

Raworth went on maternity leave at the end of last year. She gave birth to her second child in December 2005.

"In news terms, the One O'Clock sits in the middle of an incredibly busy part of the day, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge," she said.

Ford, 62, has fronted the lunchtime news since May 1999

Raworth joined the BBC as a trainee in 1992 and by 1997, she was co-hosting BBC Breakfast with Jeremy Bowen. In January 2003, she moved on to the Six O'Clock News - alongside George Alagiah.

"Sophie couldn't have done better than to be moving to the One O'clock News," said Ford, adding: "In my opinion, this is the best slot in BBC News.

"We have a regular audience of up to 3 million, with over 40% share of available audience, which frankly, other programmes would give their eye teeth for."

"I'm sure Sophie - who's a wonderful presenter - will find it stimulating and will build on the programme's success," said Ford, who announced her intention to retire from newsreading in October.

BBC head of television news Peter Horrocks said: "Sophie brings considerable broadcasting and journalistic experience to the team."

"I'm sure her professionalism and warmth will stand her in good stead to follow Anna."