Victoria Derbyshire has been announced as a new lead presenter on BBC Two's Newsnight.

The news veteran - a regular presenter on the BBC News channel and host of the acclaimed Ukrainecast podcast - will join Kirsty Wark on the long-running current affairs show, officially taking up the role in September.

Derbyshire replaces Emily Maitlis, who quit the show in February after 16 years in order to join LBC.

"I am so delighted to be joining the legend that is Kirsty Wark and the talented Newsnight team under new and ambitious leadership," she said.

"This is a special opportunity to take on one of the best jobs in British journalism and help shape the programme's future.

"I can't wait to champion more stories about people's lives while holding those who represent them to account."

Newsnight editor Stewart Maclean added: "Victoria is one of the most tenacious journalists in the business, with a fantastic ability to ask the straightforward questions our viewers want answered, and a shelf-full of major awards for her work.

"We're delighted she's joining us on Newsnight as a lead presenter alongside Kirsty. It's an exciting time for Newsnight, and Victoria and Kirsty will be a formidable partnership at the heart of our presenter lineup."

Having cut her teeth in local radio, Derbyshire, 53, has now been with the BBC for almost 30 years.