The Journal conforms to the newspaper industry's voluntary Code of Practice, administered by the Press Complaints Commission.

If you feel we have made an error in a report, or have fallen below our usual high standards, please write in the first instance to: Brian Aitken, Editor, The Journal, Groat Market, Newcastle NE1 1ED (tel:0191 201 6231; email: brian.aitken@ncjmedia.co.uk).

The PCC code of practice, along with details of how to complain, is available from Halton House, 20/23 High Holborn, London EC1N 2JD (website: www.pcc.org.uk; email: complaints@pcc.org.uk; tel: 020 7831 0022; helpline: 0845 600 2757).