A TELEVISION chief has moved from the West Country to take charge of the wide-ranging BBC operations based in Tunbridge Wells.

Leo Devine, 42, has become the new head of regional and local programmes at BBC South East, taking over from Laura Ellis.

Mrs Ellis is to be chief assistant to Andy Griffee, controller of English regions, based in Birmingham, when she returns from maternity leave in early April.

Mr Devine has been covering her maternity leave for the past six months. He was previously head of regional and local programmes for BBC South West in Plymouth.

After his appointment was announced, Mr Devine said: “I am really pleased to accept the position as the new Head of Regional and Local Programmes in the South East.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the last few months working in the region and look forward to offering my support in what I’m sure will be an exciting, creative and successful future.”

Mr Griffee said: “Leo brings huge expertise and experience to the South East and will be an excellent successor to Laura Ellis.”

Mr Devine takes over after a difficult time for the Beeb in Tunbridge Wells. Allegations by Laurie Mayer, the former presenter of South East Today who walked out in June 2002, are said to have affected staff morale. He also publicly criticised Mrs Ellis for her management style.

Mr Devine also moves into the BBC hot seat at a time of turmoil and uncertainty for its commercial rival, Meridian Broadcasting.

While Meridian Tonight still attracts more viewers than South East Today, there is widespread concern about Meridian’s plans to switch presentation to Hampshire.

Staff have warned that this will weaken local journalism and hand a ratings advantage to the BBC which will continue to present its programmes from Tunbridge Wells.

Mr Devine’s broadcasting career began in the 1980s when he worked as a journalist and presenter for the BBC in the East Midlands and London.

He was appointed assistant editor at BBC Radio Leicester in 1991 and became managing editor of BBC Radio Cornwall in 1995.

After a spell as acting head of regional and local programmes in the South West in 1997, he took up the post of Editor, BBC Cambridge, before returning to Bristol a year later as permanent head of the region.

In his new role in Tunbridge Wells, Mr Devine heads regional television news programmes for Kent and Sussex and its flagship show BBC South East Today.

He is also in charge of BBC Radio Kent, BBC Southern Counties Radio and regional online and “Where I Live” websites.