Female radio presenters are vastly outnumbered by men on air, according to research.

A study found men accounted for 80% of solo presenters on the radio and dominated high-profile slots, with solo women accounting for 12% of drive time shows and 13% of breakfast shows.

Researchers studied the output of 30 stations across the UK including the main national networks for the project which was carried out by networking group Sound Women and training body Creative Skillset.

They found 39% of presenting teams were all male, as opposed to 4% were all female.

Founder of Sound Women Maria Williams said: "Having women's voices on-air is hugely important, both to female radio audiences and to aspiring female presenters. We hear anecdotal evidence that radio stations receive fewer demos from female presenters."