DJ Tony Blackburn is to return to the BBC airwaves - months after he was sacked over his statements to the Jimmy Savile inquiry.

The presenter, who hosts 'The Tony Blackburn Playlist' on Sundays on kmfm, will return to the BBC from January next year.

It follows his dismissal in February this year over a disagreement about his evidence to the Dame Janet Smith inquiry.

A statement issued by the BBC today said Tony would be presenting an hour-long show on Radio 2 from next year, plus local radio.

It added: "The BBC stands by the findings of Dame Janet Smith and the decision it made to take Tony Blackburn off air at the start of this year based on Dame Janet’s Smith’s preference for the documentary evidence relating to meetings that took place over Tony Blackburn’s statements.

"Tony Blackburn for his part stands by his statements to Dame Janet Smith but recognises that the BBC considered a period off air was appropriate."

Tony Blackburn said: "I do not seek to criticise the BBC for decisions it has made in the past.

"I have had a difficult year personally, but I'm pleased to be returning to the BBC and can't wait to get behind the mic again.”

Tony tweeted a thanks to all his followers this morning.