A much-loved BBC Radio Suffolk host has paid an emotional goodbye to his listeners as he presents his final show. 

Luke Deal hosted his final Radio Suffolk breakfast show on Friday as he leaves his position as part of a major shake-up at BBC local radio. 

Mr Deal has presented the show for 14 months after he took over the microphone from Mark Murphy.

Mr Deal's departure comes as Radio Suffolk enters a new era next week. 

The new schedules start from Monday, September 4 and on Radio Suffolk there will no longer be lunchtime, afternoon, teatime and weekend shows specific to the county.

Presenters will be hosting shows which are being broadcast across the region.

Speaking on his show Mr Deal said: "I can tell you now we wanted to stay on because we thought we had something good going on here and I think you did to, especially in the light of the fact that we have had an additional 5,000 listeners tuning into us. 

"But unfortunately it is not to be. As I am sure you are aware there are changes been made across BBC local radio and our new schedule here at BBC Radio Suffolk comes into play on Monday. 

"I wish all those involved with the programme relaunches the very best of luck. 

"Thank you to all our wonderful listeners, thank you for all your calls, comments and messages today it has taken us by surprise and I will respond to each and everyone of you.

"It has been a pleasure and privilege to be a part of your early mornings.

"Mark Murphy was a tough act to follow, but I think we just might have got away with it.

"Who'd have thought when I took over nine months ago that I would see two Prime Ministers off and a Queen. I just hope we did those stories and the ones closer to home justice."

From Monday, Wayne Bavin will be taking over the hotseat for the flagship show in early September.

The show airs between 6am to 10am every weekday. 

Sarah Lilley will also be presenting the 10am-2pm weekday show as she takes over from Wayne Bavin. 

Weekday afternoons from 2-6pm will be hosted by Louise Hulland.

Weeknights from 7pm will be hosted across the Eastern counties by Farzana Chaudry (Monday), Babs Michel (Tuesday and Wednesday), Rob Jelly (Thursday), and Angelle Joseph (Friday). 

On Thursday nights BBC Introducing will broadcast from 8-10pm, also presented by Ms Joseph. 

Voices on the airwaves across the weekend will include Ms Michel and Amir Suleman.