Managers at Radio Oxford are still seeking a replacement for Breakfast presenter Sybil Ruscoe who left the station yesterday.

Last month it emerged that Ms Ruscoe, 45, the former BBC Radio 1 and BBC Five Live presenter, was quitting after completing her six-month contract.

She was a popular replacement for Anne Diamond, who lasted 18 months in the hot seat. Ms Diamond was not universally popular with listeners.

Ms Ruscoe said an emotional farewell to her colleagues at the station in Banbury Road, Summertown yesterday, and listeners rang in to wish her good luck for the future.

As she auctioned her last Breakfast show mug for Children in Need, she said: "It's my last day on the show today. I'm sure there will be somebody just as good in this seat soon, so stay with us."

She told the Oxford Mail earlier this month that she was leaving to "pursue other career options" and would be returning to do shows from time to time on a freelance basis.

Ms Ruscoe was praised by Radio Oxford enthusiast Derek Honey for helping to attract 22,000 new listeners to the station.

Steve Taschini, executive editor of BBC Oxford, who described Ms Ruscoe as a "brilliant" broadcaster, said: "We have just closed the recruitment process and are shortlisting applicants, and hopefully that process will be successful in finding a worthy replacement.

"While the search continues, Dominic Cotter, Sybil's usual stand-in, will take the reins from Friday, November 24, with Tim Bearder from our Online team taking over Dominic's 5am to 7am show.

"This is Tim's first regular weekday radio programme.

His day job is as one of our Online webteam and pres- enter of our local music programme, The Download.

Mr Bearder said: "I'm really looking forward to doing the show. Obviously I've got good contacts with local bands so I'll bring in that element, but I will also be playing the classics as well.

"I come from Wendlebury originally, and I know Oxfordshire very well, so I will also be doing some features on some of the county's hidden gems."

Mr Taschini added that Phil Kennedy would be guest presenter from Monday to Thursday next week.

Mr Honey said: "The managers should take their time and get the right person for the job. I always thought Pippa Shay did a good job but I think she has gone into production.

"Sybil was a really friendly presenter and she will be a hard act to follow."

It was also announced on the show that newsreader Kaija Larke was leaving to work for Radio Five Live and Radio 4.