The BBC is again under fire over claims of ageism following the announcement that one of its leading anchormen is quitting.

Peter Sissons, who at 60 is standing down from presenting the News at 10 0' Clock, yesterday criticised the BBC for its approach to senior employees.

He told the Observer: "The BBC does have one or two blind spots and its biggest blind spot is its tendency to ageism, I've been to many leaving parties for people who've turned 50 and they're at the height of their powers and they're out."

"Some really gifted people, who've cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to bring to that state of being so good. I think it's very sad."

In June Sissons' co-presenter, Michael Buerk, 56, announced his departure.

A spokesman for the BBC said the organisation continued to maintain its reputation in broadcasting for recruiting top-level staff.

"Peter is entitled to his views. In true BBC tradition we're always looking to find the best of new talent."

Campaigners warned that the decision reinforced stereotypes and would not help to change attitudes of employers who are obsessed by youth.

"We are concerned that the BBC's policy has been to favour young telegenic newscasters over the older more experienced giants of news broadcasting," said a spokesman for Help the Aged.

"Recent research shows that people over the age of 50 are primary consumers of news programmes with 98 per cent saying they are very interested in national and regional news.

"The BBC needs to reflect its audience. It is in danger of alienating its core audience and needs to take action to redress the balance."