VETERAN broadcaster Anna Ford took up a job with Sainsbury's today - less than a week after reading out the BBC's One O'Clock News for the final time.

The 62-year-old has been appointed as a non-executive director of Sainsbury's and will be involved in improving the image of the supermarket on environmental and social issues such as employing more people aged over 50 and cutting salt in food.

Ms Ford said: "I've always admired Sainsbury's and I'm very interested in the whole issue of food quality and innovation, where it comes from, and what consumers want.

"It's great to be involved at such an interesting time in Sainsbury's development."

Man Alive

Ms Ford began her BBC career with the Man Alive programme in 1976 before she switched to ITN.

Well known for hosting the Tomorrow's World programme after returning to the BBC, Ms Ford helped to set up Breakfast TV and from 1986 until 1988 she worked on the BBC Network.

In 1999, she became the presenter of the One O'Clock News when the programme was relaunched.

Trustee

Outside of broadcasting, Ms Ford has been a trustee of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, is chancellor of Manchester University and is a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.

Philip Hampton, chairman of Sainsbury's, said: "The board has plenty of big company experience and Anna will bring different perspectives.

"She will take particular interest in our corporate responsibility issues but she also has a very independent background and character and I'm sure she will contribute widely."

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