Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC on "medical advice", the broadcaster has said.

The newsreader has been off air since last July, following reports which claimed he paid a young person for sexually explicit images.

"Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC," a statement said on Monday.

"After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

"The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don't believe it appropriate to comment further."

Edwards was the BBC's most high-profile news anchor, often being chosen to cover major national events.

The Welsh journalist had been the main presenter on BBC News at Ten since 2003 and BBC News at Five since 2006, until July 2023.

In February, the BBC issued an apology to the family of the 17-year-old who was at the centre of the allegations.

The broadcaster published the findings of a review it commissioned last year into the effectiveness of its non-editorial complaints policies and processes.

The decision to launch the assessment came after Edwards' wife confirmed he was the BBC presenter alleged to have paid thousands to a teenager for sexual images from the age of 17, according to The Sun.

More to follow...