The Press Complaints Commission is hosting a public debate on Friday about the coverage of the spate of suicides in Bridgend.

Since early last year the south Wales community has been rocked by a succession of local people, many teenagers, taking their own lives.

Now the chairman of the press watchdog, Sir Christopher Meyer, will lead a panel through a Q&A session with local residents and other interested parties.

Among the topics up for discussion are how the cases were reported across the media, what rules apply with such stories and whether the coverage was fair to the local area.

The panel will also include Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon, Ofcom Wales director Rhodri Williams and South Wales Evening Post editor-in-chief Spencer Feeney.

Sir Christopher said: “I know that the deaths of so many young people have had a profound effect on communities in and around Bridgend.

“I very much hope that people will be encouraged to attend this event to share any concerns with us and also with the representatives from the media.

“It is very important that people understand the role and remit of the Code of Practice and know how the PCC is able to offer practical support to people affected by tragedies such as these.”

Earlier this year South Wales Echo editor Michael Hill was forced to defend his paper’s coverage when a senior police officer criticised it on national news channels.

This came shortly after suicide prevention charity Papyrus had called for all media coverage to stop over fears of copycat suicides.

The event starts with a private surgery for people with queries about the PCC at 2.30pm, at Bridgend Recreation Centre, followed by the public debate at 3.30pm.