The BBC's chief political correspondent John Sergeant is joining ITN after 30 years with the corporation.

He will replace Michael Brunson, 59. He retires at the end of March after 32 years at ITN - the last 13 as political editor.

"I've always looked upon ITN as a rival for whom I have the greatest respect and I'm delighted to be joining them," said Sergeant, 55.

A BBC News spokesman said: "The BBC wishes John Sergeant all the best for the future. He's given the BBC 30 years of excellent journalism and leaves us on the best possible terms."

Nigel Dacre, editor of ITN News, said: "John Sergeant is one of Britain's finest political journalists and I am delighted he is joining ITN."

Sergeant, who has reported from at least 25 countries during his career, will be a correspondent for all of ITV's news bulletins.

A widely respected journalist, he was the only correspondent to secure an interview with former welsh secretary Ron Davies following his cabinet resignation in 1998.

Mrs Thatcher's handbag

A less successful attempt to interview Margaret Thatcher during the 1990 Tory leadership contest earned him the British Press Guild Award for the most memorable broadcast of the year.

Attempting to question the then prime minister on the steps of the British Embassy in Paris, he was captured on film being knocked sideways by Mrs Thatcher's handbag.

Though recognised as a formidable correspondent, Sergeant is equally at home in the world of light entertainment.

Before becoming a journalist he embarked on a brief stage career, performing alongside Alan Bennett, Michael Palin and John Fortune.

Comic hit

In recent months he proved a big hit appearing with comedian Paul Merton on both Have I Got News For You and Room 101.

It has not yet been announced when his new appointment will become effective, but ITN bosses have already been paying tribute to the achievements of his predecessor.

During his time at ITN, Brunson has become one of Britain's most distinguished political commentators, covering Washington during the Watergate years.

He was appointed political editor in 1986 and covered the fall of Mrs Thatcher, the Major years and the election of the first Labour government for 18 years.

ITN's editor-in-chief Richard Tait said: "Michael Brunson has been one of the most outstanding political journalists of his generation.

"Michael will leave ITN with the best wishes of us all."