A popular presenter has hit out at the BBC for the ‘cruel’ axing of his show which aired on Radio Kent.

Bill Rennells, 92, was the broadcaster's oldest host and his programme Harmony Night came to an end on New Year’s Eve.

The show - which featured on BBC Radio Oxford, Berkshire and Kent - played three hours of listeners’ requests and messages each Sunday night.

It was given the chop as part of cuts to BBC Local Radio, as the corporation focuses more on producing online news stories. The move has been described by industry leaders as a threat to local journalism across the UK.

A petition was started by listeners in a bid to keep Midnight Harmony on air but fans of the show did not succeed.

Mr Rennells told The Sun: “So many adjectives have been used for the destruction of our beautiful Harmony Night and the league leader of those is ‘cruel’. Our last night was so emotional.”

He previously presented for BBC Radio 2, with shows such as Music from the Movies and Nightride for over 14 years, as well as working as a presenter across various BBC Local stations.

“So very sad he had to lose his show due to these ridiculous cuts...”

He also spent 25 years working as a journalist for newspapers such as KentOnline’s sister paper the Kentish Gazette, Eastbourne Gazette and Oxford Mail.

In 2017, he retired from reporting on Banbury United games after 47 years.

Dilys Bound, who started the petition to keep Harmony Night going, wrote online: “The programme is unique, as the content is chosen by the listeners, who are an integral part of the show, as they are encouraged to call/message in to speak privately with the presenters, then choose a record to be played for them the following week.

“Life would be much lonelier for many listeners, as this programme is a lifeline to the outside world for them, being a rare opportunity for contact they would otherwise not have.”

A BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: “We would like to thank Bill for all of his work on Local and Network Radio throughout his career with the BBC.

“We are grateful for the commitment, time and energy that Bill put into the presentation and production of Harmony Night and the years he worked as a sports reporter and commentator at BBC Radio Oxford.

“As Bill says, this is not goodbye, and we have said that we are keen to work with him on ideas in the future.”

Many listeners and colleagues shared their support for the show and for Mr Rennells on air and across social media.

One person called Radio Fanatic wrote on X: “So very sad he had to lose his show due to these ridiculous cuts.”