With a background mainly in political reporting, Huw Edwards combines heavyweight credentials with an ability to be less formal when required.

The presenter has been anchor on the 'Six' since 1999

He moves from the Six O'Clock news, where his authoritative tones have been a permanent fixture since 1999.

His rise to present the "Six" regularly came as the show, the most popular news programme on television, was relaunched in summer 1999.

Edwards had been presenting the One O' Clock news, the Six and BBC Breakfast News since 1994.

Varied work

But his presenting work was not confined to bulletins, with stints on Newsnight and Panorama, current affairs for the BBC in Wales, as well as more diverse outings in classical music programmes on BBC Two as well as Radio 3 and 4.

He has also presented Songs of Praise as well as hosting coverage of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, the millennium celebrations and election results on Radio 4.

Edwards' latest promotion follows a steady but rapid rise through the ranks of the BBC.

Edwards became known reporting politics

After early reporting and presenting work on commercial radio station Swansea Sound, Edwards entered the BBC's training scheme after studying French in Cardiff.

Joining the BBC Wales newsroom in Cardiff in 1985, he enjoyed a rapid rise to the role of parliamentary reporter.

He moved to BBC News in London as political correspondent in 1988 and went on to cover the downfall of Margaret Thatcher in 1990. He was later appointed chief political correspondent for BBC News 24.

Born in 1961, Edwards was raised in Llangennech, near Llanelli, is married with four children and lives in south London.