Newsreader Laurie Mayer today claimed a "moral victory" despite losing his claim for unfair dismissal from the BBC.

Mr Mayer was sacked after blowing the whistle on bullying problems in the BBC South East Today newsroom in Tunbridge Wells.

An employment tribunal has decreed his actions were a "prime reason" for the BBC's decision not to renew his contract.

But the panel unanimously ruled he had not suffered any detriment and rejected Mr Mayer's claim for unfair dismissal.

The ruling said the newsroom was a "happier place" after Mr Mayer chose to speak out.

His own future in broadcasting now appears uncertain but Mr Mayer remained upbeat today after studying the written judgement at his home in East Horsley, Surrey.

He said: "The judgement is a clear moral victory and a vindication. But I find it strange to have won the argument and lost the case.

"The findings are clearly an indictment of the BBC. They criticise senior management for failing to take sufficient steps to rectify the situation at Tunbridge Wells and criticise the BBC's attempts to blacken my name retrospectively.

"I have no regrets about taking this action."

Asked about his future prospects in broadcasting after being branded a "whistle blower", Mr Mayer said: "It would be very nice to have an offer.

"I have been out of work for 15 months so it's not funny. This has been hanging over me and now we just want it to be resolved.

"Obviously this judgement is very favourable and I think we have to look at appealing."

Mr Mayer, 57, was given the prestigious anchor role in the new newsroom when it was established in 2001.

He arrived with a pedigree of reporting for Radio 1, presenting Sky News and acting as Harrods' Press officer. The tribunal heard he was seen as a father figure to younger journalists.

Mr Mayer said he made several complaints to station boss Laura Ellis about the "atmosphere of intimidation" in the newsroom but claimed nothing was done.

Matters reached a head in June last year when he stormed out of the studio minutes before he was due to go on air following a row with Ms Ellis over viewing figures.

Senior BBC managers who gave evidence at the tribunal denied Mr Mayer's claims, saying they were looking to replace the presenter because he lacked the "warm presenting style" necessary for regional television.

The four-day tribunal at Ashford, Kent, last month heard managers say he was "dismissive and patronising".

The panel said: "This has been a sad case involving a much-respected broadcaster who went out on a limb to try to protect his colleagues from bullying and harassment. As a result, he found himself without a job.

"One of the more disturbing aspects of this case has been the way the BBC has sought, retrospectively, to blacken his name.

"Laurie Mayer has not been able to show he suffered any detriment because of his protected disclosures.

"However, he did reveal ineffective management and a culture of bullying and harassment which caused discontent and suffering amongst the staff.

"He can take comfort from the fact that, as a result of his actions, the BBC newsroom at Tunbridge Wells is now a much happier place."

No one at the BBC was available for comment.

A statement from the corporation said: "We of course agree with the tribunal's decision and also with its view that these were sad circumstances.

"The BBC would have preferred this case not to have gone to court as we understand how stressful this can be for all involved."