Biddy Baxter, the driving force behind Blue Peter, gave a warning that children’s television was in crisis after the BBC revealed big cuts in its output for youngsters.

There will be more repeats, less new drama and favourites dropped as the children’s department cuts its budget by 10 per cent and prepares to move to Salford, Greater Manchester.

The 5pm BBC One slot, where generations have enjoyed Blue Peter and Grange Hill, is under threat and Fireman Sam is now uneconomic and will move to Five after 16 years with the BBC. Ms Baxter said: “The BBC has a duty to underwrite children’s television for the nation. There is a huge appetite among children for programmes which provide information as well as entertainment.”

Richard Deverell, the Controller of Children’s BBC, told the Voice of The Listener & Viewer (VLV) conference: “The move to Salford could be incredibly exciting for the BBC or potentially damaging for children.” Mr Deverell said that there would no reduction in quality or range and more shows would be available online.

Jocelyn Hay, the chairman of the VLV, said: “The BBC’s cuts can only been seen as a betrayal of the public service ethos.”

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