Like many people, I read with sadness that popular newsreader Rose Neill is to leave the BBC (Belfast Telegraph, August 29).

Rose declined to give the reason for her departure, but reading between the lines, is it change for the sake of change or are the BBC bosses being ageist and sexist? (There is not one female presenter on Newsline aged over 42.)

Last year, the BBC came under fire when Moira Stuart was axed. The BBC was accused of ‘shuffling an older woman off the screen’ but soon reinstated Stuart because of the outcry from viewers, powerful broadcasting figures and MPs.

At ITV, Trevor McDonald has made more comebacks than Frank Sinatra! He returned as anchorman when News at Ten returned earlier this year; the shortest retirement in TV history — a few months. Rose Neill is an attractive, popular and very good newsreader. BBC Northern Ireland has made a mistake not renewing her contract.

PAUL McKINLEY,

Glengormley