Spirit FM's News Editor Leon Jackson presents Spirit Reports each weekday at 6am and 1pm

Spirit FM News bulletins can also be heard every weekday morning at 07.00, 07.30, 08.00, 08.30, 9.00, 10.00, 11.00 and 12 midday

Leon began his radio career in 1998 with the launch of a radio station in East Sussex, (Arrow FM in Hastings.)  As well as reading the afternoon news for them each weekday, he also presented a 4-hour show with guests and features.  He stayed for just under 2 years before deciding to freelance for several other radio stations in London and the south east.

It was during this time that he provided news cover at Spirit FM.  In April 2001, he joined the team fulltime.  He says of his appointment: "I was chuffed to be offered the chance to come to Spirit FM.  Although it was still a fairly new station back then, I'd heard about its good reputation and wanted to be part of that."

Leon wasn't always the dashing figure we see today.  Like many of us, he was getting a little overweight.  At his heaviest, he was more than 16 stone!  A chance interview with two women from WeightWatchers about their success spurred him on to do something about it, and in November 2005 he joined a weekend rambling group: "Once or twice a month we'd go on 6/8 mile walks all over the county.  It's a great way to see the countryside especially for someone like me, who hates the thought of going to a gym."

It certainly paid off, with Leon losing more than 5 stone in 2 years: "It wasn't a quick fix but I'm proof that with a little discipline and willpower, it can be done.  I don't believe in diets, but healthy eating and regular excerise definately changed my life!"

In his spare time, Leon's other passions are gardening, art and trying to finish doing up his house in Worthing: "I'm not that keen on DIY so I tend to get trades in to do things as and when I can afford it."  You could say it's a work in progress, (he reckons after nearly 7 years living there, he's about halfway through!)