Huw Edwards has resigned from the BBC on "medical advice", the broadcaster has said.

The newsreader has been off air since last July, following reports which claimed he paid a young person for sexually explicit images.

"Huw Edwards has today resigned and left the BBC," a statement said on Monday.

"After 40 years of service, Huw has explained that his decision was made on the basis of medical advice from his doctors.

"The BBC has accepted his resignation which it believes will allow all parties to move forward. We don't believe it appropriate to comment further."

Edwards was the BBC's most high-profile news anchor, often being chosen to cover major national events.