BBC defends disabled presenter

The BBC has defended disabled presenter Cerrie Burnell after some parents claimed that she is "scaring" their children.

CBeebies controller Michael Carrington described Burnell, who was born with one arm, as "warm and natural", adding that her disability should not be an issue.

"She was appointed because she was the best person for the job. We see no reason for her to try to hide her disability and are surprised that in 2009 this should even be raised as an issue," said a BBC spokesperson.

Burnell revealed that she hopes her disability can be used to raise awareness. "It can only be a good thing that parents are using me as a chance to talk disability with their children," she said.

"It just goes to show how important it is to have positive disabled role models on CBeebies and television in general."