A regional news programme has been shelved by the BBC due to Covid-related staff shortages.

The BBC has pulled its regular East Midlands Today morning bulletins over the issue, with news from the West Midlands being broadcast to the region instead.

The late bulletin, usually broadcast from Nottingham, was cancelled by the corporation half an hour before it was due to be broadcast on Wednesday night.

An evening show was broadcast last night, presented by host Anne Davies, pictured, but morning bulletins will continue to be shared with the West Midlands until further notice.

The BBC says it is aiming to resume normal service “as soon as possible”, with the aim of restoring the East Midlands morning bulletins next week.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Like employers in every area of the economy, we’re seeing significant staff disruption caused by Covid.

“Apart from a few exceptions, we have maintained our normal service, which will resume as soon as possible.”

In a Twitter post, East Midlands Today said: “On Thursday and Friday we will be sharing breakfast bulletins from Birmingham across the Midlands.

“This is a temporary measure and our early bulletins should be back on air from the East Midlands next week.”