Former regional newspaper editor Ian Beales has been appointed secretary of the Press Complaints Commission's code committee.

Ian worked for the Western Daily Press for 34 years, editing the title for the last 20, before leaving the paper in April 2001.

In his new role Ian has taken on the ownership of a project to produce a users' handbook to the Code of Practice.

The guide will explain the background to various parts of the Code, outlining how the PCC's actions have amplified and developed it.

He will also assist code comittee chairman Les Hinton to undertake their first annual 'check-up' of the Code to ensure it remains up-to-date and relevant, taking into account changes in technology, PCC case law and suggestions from members of the public.