Biographies

Presenter, BBC South Today

Anna Brees presents the BBC South Today news bulletins shown on BBC One from early morning until late evening.

Born in Gloucester, Anna studied theology and anthropology at university in Wales and graduated in 1998.

She then went into banking but after two years realised a career in finance wasn't for her.

"I thought long and hard about a career that would really suit, challenge and excite me," she says. "I came up with journalism and used all my savings to get on to a journalism course."

After finishing her training and doing a week's work experience at the Citizen newspaper in Gloucester, Anna landed her first job in journalism at a newspaper in Guernsey.

"I remember being told I had the job, it was one of the happiest days of my life. The fact that someone had faith and belief in me was a huge boost and it was an opportunity I will always be thankful for," she says.

After learning the ropes on newspapers, Anna moved into television to become a reporter in the Channel Islands.

She worked for ITV Central in Oxfordshire and ITV Central in Birmingham for four years before becoming a BBC South Today news presenter in September 2008.

"I absolutely love my job and at BBC South Today I couldn't be working with a nicer bunch of people," says Anna. "Every day is different and every day I am extremely thankful for the opportunities I've been given."

Although first encouraged by her parents to choose a safer, more secure career than journalism, Anna's enthusiasm for the profession started young.

"Growing up I used to record my own radio shows, writing reports on the first Iraq war – maybe a little strange at the age of 13!"

With a Welsh father and Italian grandfather, Anna has two cultural influences that she is very proud of.

Outside work, Anna likes cats, cooking and comedy and is particularly fond of custard doughnuts.

Aside from food-related hobbies, Anna also enjoys walking, reading and, of course, watching TV.