The BBC has won its fight against newsreader Laurie Mayer, who was sacked after accusing bosses of bullying.

An Employment Appeal tribunal ruled the BBC was right not to renew Mr Mayer's contract as the main presenter for BBC South East and that the original tribunal decision should stand.

Mr Mayer, who now lives in Ipswich, Suffolk, has now accepted defeat and insisted he was enjoying retirement - but did not rule out a return to broadcasting.

He was sacked after blowing the whistle on bullying problems in the BBC South East Today newsroom in Tunbridge Wells, which covers stories across East Sussex.

The experienced broadcaster and journalist did not have his contract renewed after the BBC claimed he lacked the warm presenting style for regional television.

Although the original tribunal ruled the newsroom was a "happier place" after Mr Mayer spoke out, the panel unanimously agreed he had not suffered any detriment and rejected his claim for unfair dismissal.

Mr Mayer was given the job as the main presenter of the new BBC South East Today news and current affairs programme when the studios opened in Tunbridge Wells in 2001.

But the news programme's ratings failed to dent the viewing figures of rival Meridian Tonight on ITV and Mr Mayer was sacked following a row over the figures.