BBC Cymru Wales will double the amount of network radio drama it produces in the next two years, confirming its growing status as a centre of excellence for drama.

Building on the strength of its radio and TV drama reputation, which includes plans for a drama village due to open in 2011, the boost for Wales is part of a wider strategic move by the BBC to increase production outside of London.

Welcoming the news, BBC Wales Head of English Language Programmes Clare Hudson said: "Drama is a key genre for Radio 4 and also for Radio 3. It requires exceptional talent and very specialist skills and I'm really proud of the track record we have in our Wales drama team.

"It's a major tribute to their hard work over the past few years that we're getting this boost to our radio drama slate."

As part of the radio drama move, the BBC's Head of Radio Drama Alison Hindell will return from London to BBC Wales where she was formerly a senior producer.

As Head of Audio Drama, she will lead all in-house audio drama production across the UK from her new Wales base.

"Alison Hindell comes back to Wales to lead a very strong team which includes major production talent in Kate McAll," said Clare Hudson.

"Alison is herself an exceptional talent and will play a major role in the development of the BBC's radio drama strategy across the UK in the years to come.

"We are really thrilled to be welcoming her back to BBC Wales."