Arshia Riaz has been announced as the new presenter of BBC Radio WM's Midlands Masala programme.

Originally from Telford but living now in Birmingham, Arshia will take over presenting duties after having produced the show for several years.

Arshia has been working at the BBC for over seven years for radio and online after freelancing for commercial stations across the Midlands.

"It's a brilliant opportunity," says Arshia.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges it brings and will do my very best to provide a platform for the British Asian community.

"Midlands Masala aims to showcase real stories about issues that really matter, and play the best in Asian music.

"We also have exclusive, live acoustic sessions in our BBC studios performed by both established and unsigned music artists.

"I love helping to nurture talent and every day I meet people who help me tap into that creativity and help it to flourish. All they need is a platform and I am in a position to offer that to them."

Throughout the week Arshia works as a creative practitioner in schools and colleges across the UK, inspiring and teaching youngsters all about radio.

She was also featured in the top 100 most influential Muslims in the UK - in the Muslim Powerlist 2010.

She is also a volunteer mentor with the Mosaic network and is part of the Speakers Bureau,