Fresh voices and familiar formats on Radio Ulster weekdays

As Radio Ulster/Foyle celebrates its 50th birthday the station has announced a number of changes to its schedule.

On 5 May, Connor Phillips will move from mid morning to mid afternoon, with John Kerr presenting the Late Show from Monday to Friday as Eve Blair moves to Your Place and Mine on Saturday mornings.

Evening Extra will now run for an hour with Richard Morgan its lead presenter.

Coming on air at 17:00 it will focus on the latest news updates and breaking news.

Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland's senior head of content production said the station wanted to mark its 50th anniversary with "fresh voices and formats joining the familiar faces and programmes they know and trust".

On air from 15:00 for two hours Connor Phillips said he hoped his show would be an antidote to being sat in traffic.

"If you're at home I hope it helps with the dinner prep. It will feature a mixture of songs to put you in a good mood, some things you might not expect in an afternoon show."

Vinny Hurrell and Cate Conway will be moving from their early evening slot to fill the airwaves between the Stephen Nolan Show and Talkback.

"Whether you're at work, at home, or just taking a few minutes for yourself, we want this to be a space where you feel entertained, uplifted and part of something special," said Hurrell

"I'm really overwhelmed to be taking on the 10.30 slot with Vinny. It's one I have a personal and professional connection with and I'm so excited about this new chapter," added Conway.

Anne-Marie Wallace takes over the 18:00 to 19:30 slot from Monday to Thursday, with Kathy Clugston's The Ticket moving from Friday afternoons to Friday evenings at 18:00.

Changes are also afoot at the weekend.

Eve Blair is set to take the reins of Your Place and Mine on Saturday mornings on BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle.

Stepping away from The Late Show weeknight microphone, Blair succeeds Anne-Marie McAleese who presented her final show in February.

On Saturday evenings Taylor Johnson has a two-hour music show featuring nostalgic hits and showcasing new music from local artists.

And on Sundays Anna Curran joins the line-up with a mid-morning magazine show.

Blair said it was an honour to take over from McAleese.

"Your Place and Mine is such a wonderful programme, a really unique show that manages to capture the true essence of our beautiful country and its people," she added.

"I can't wait to get to know the listeners and hopefully welcome along my Late Show listeners too."

Johnson said he wanted to make a difference for a new generation of musicians.

"It's been a dream of mine for a long time to present my own show on BBC Radio Ulster," he added.

"I feel like I've come through the youth academy here at the BBC, having worked on nearly every show on the station."

Curran is promising a mix of in-depth interviews and music.

"Like a lot of people, Sunday is my favourite day of the week.

"Now I've even more reason to enjoy it because I'll be spending mine in conversation with a brilliant line-up of guests and, of course, our wonderful listeners."

Sunday Sequence and Morning Service will start at the earlier times of 08:00 and 09:00 respectively and Sunday With Brian D'Arcy has a new, late-evening home at 21:00.

Emma Dunseith, BBC Northern Ireland's senior head of content production said the station was excited about the changes which will happen in May.

"Our listeners will have much to enjoy, whatever their interests," she added.

"And they'll have the best BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle company across the weekend from early morning until late at night."