CBBC is responsible for all of the corporation's children's output, including two digital channels and the CBBC website.

She will take over the post on 17 February, after current controller Nigel Pickard leaves for his new role as director of programmes at ITV1.

Ms Prior's roles will include control of all CBBC's commissioning, acquisitions, scheduling and specialist services.

Prior joined the BBC in 1978

"I'm thrilled to have got this job," she said. "It's a compliment to be asked to take on the top post at CBBC at such a challenging and exciting time."

Alan Yentob, director of BBC Drama, Entertainment and CBBC said she had played a "leading part in the CBBC story" during the last few years.

"In partnership with Nigel Pickard, she has been responsible for the huge expansion of the department and the successful launch of our two new digital channels and the growth of our children's websites," he said.

The corporation's two children's digital channels were launched in February last year.

Nigel Pickard created SM:tv before coming to the BBC

Ms Prior joined the BBC in 1978, and worked on show such as The Old Grey Whistle Test.

She later went on to work for BBC Worldwide and helped set up BBC America, before taking over as head of children's production from Lorraine Heggessy in 1999.

Before his stint at the BBC, Mr Pickard introduced SM:tv for ITV1 network, making stars out of its hosts Ant McPartlin, Declan Donnelly and Cat Deeley.