Peter Snow is hanging up his swingometer after 25 years, it was announced today.

"The BBC, quite understandably, wants to freshen up its election team in this Parliament," said Snow. "I shall be over 70 at the next general election and that, frankly, is a bit old to be dancing around in front of huge graphic displays."

Snow will concentrate on documentary work.

"I've had a wonderful innings with the BBC's election team and I'm hugely grateful for the opportunity they've given me over the past 25 years to try and explain election results with clarity and energy," he concluded.