TV presenter Pam Royle is stepping down after more than a decade with ITV Border.

The award-winning newscaster said leaving ITV was the "hardest decision she has ever had to make", but she wants to find a "better work-life balance".

Ms Royle has fronted ITV Border news since 2009. She has a longer association with ITV Tyne Tees.

In a statement, Ms Royle said: “I feel very privileged to have had the career I’ve had.

"I have met royalty, Prime Ministers and stars from the worlds of movies, music and television.

"Often though, it’s been meeting our viewers and telling their stories that has had the biggest impact on me.

"I am always struck by their resilience and fortitude in often the most dire of circumstances. It’s been an honour to be trusted with telling the story of their lives.

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"Leaving ITV is the hardest decision I have ever had to make.

"I love bringing the daily news into our viewers' homes; they are at the heart of everything we do at ITV.

"I will miss my workmates very much.

"However, I think it is time for me to find a better work-life balance and explore other work opportunities.

"It is good to know that this will give someone else the chance to take on one of the best jobs in the region."

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Ms Royle has covered ITV regional news bulletins for more than 30 years.

She joined Tyne Tees Television in 1983 and has also worked for Central TV, along with TV-am, ITN and LWT in London.

She was awarded Presenter of the Year by the Royal Television Society in the North East and the Border in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

Michaela Byrne, head of news and programmes for ITV Tyne Tees and Border, said: "Pam’s contribution to Tyne Tees and more latterly ITV Border has been immense and she is a much-loved figure whose warmth and authority radiate off the screen.

"We are very sad that she has decided that it’s time to leave us and all of us at ITV will miss her, but we wish her the very best of luck in the future."