Birmingham-born radio presenter Adil Ray will take over the reins at the BBC Asian Network breakfast show from the New Year.

Presenting the programme from The Mailbox, Mr Ray will swap roles with Jas Rao, the current breakfast presenter on the national digital radio station, who will present the Drive show in a new weekday time slot of 3pm - 6pm.

Adil Ray’s style has garnered praise across radio and TV and his Drive show won the award for best Radio Show at the UK Asian Music Awards  in 2008.

Mr Ray made his name on commercial radio with Galaxy FM. He started at Asian Network in 2002 and also regularly presented Desi DNA on BBC Two as well as his own show on BBC Three.

Asian Network controller Andy Parfitt said: “I am delighted that Adil will present breakfast. Overall this is an important step in the Asian Network’s development.

“We’re also extending our news and daily language output.”