By Victoria Brenan

Last updated at 11:03, Sunday, 18 January 2009

The full presenting line-up for the new-look Lookaround, which will launch next month, has been revealed.

From left, Helen Pearson, Tim Backshall, Fiona Armstrong, Ian Payne, Pam Royle, Philippa Tomson and Stuart Pollitt

The programmes, which retain their 6pm and after News at Ten times, will be fronted by Tyne Tees sports presenter Ian Payne and Pam Royle, of North East Today.

Border’s Tim Backshall and John Bevir will become correspondents and Fiona Armstrong is to present features. Helen Pearson will be the new face of breakfast bulletins shown during GMTV and the weather and environment presenter is Philippa Tomson, of North East Tonight.

The reporting team includes Hannah Lomas (Carlisle), Stuart Pollitt (Whitehaven), Victoria Hoe (Kendal), Olivia Richwald (Dumfries), Lee Madan (Selkirk) and Kathryn Samson (Edinburgh).

The new programme will be launched – subject to Ofcom approval – in late February and is the result of a restructure of regional news services within ITV.

The current Border base at Durranhill will close and a new office is to open in Carlisle in the spring.

Regional Director Graeme Thompson said: “This is one of the strongest presenting line-ups anywhere in ITV.

“The combination of popular and trusted Border personalities and established ITV performers such as Pam and Ian will ensure Lookaround viewers receive a first-class local service. This is the first time we have had reporters based around southern Scotland and Cumbria with the ability to send news reports direct from their communities.”

ITV said Lookaround at 6pm will carry between 15 and 20 minutes of stories from Cumbria, the Borders, South West Scotland and the Isle of Man.

The remainder of the half-hour programme will carry weather and features from the wider Border/Tyne Tees region. Tyne Tees will use separate transmitters to broadcast North East Tonight in the same slots as Lookaround.

Around 50 people are set to lose their jobs at Border as part of the cost-cutting proposals by ITV.

First published at 09:01, Saturday, 17 January 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk