More than 1,000 people would like to become the Press Complaints Commission's new lay commissioner.

The Commission is in the process of sifting through the applications, which have come from hopefuls from all walks of life.

It is looking for someone committed to the principles of self-regulation. That person will boost the lay members' numbers to ten, compared with the industry members - who number seven.

The candidates are now being considered by independent assessors, Sir Brian Cubbon and Sir Ronald Grierson.

Chairman Sir Christopher Meyer said: "This further underlines not only the accessibility and transparency of PCC procedures but also the clear sense of people wanting to get involved in the practice of self-regulation.

"A strong, independent lay majority on the Commission is vital to the success of self-regulation and I am confident this process will ensure we get just the right person."

The post comes with remuneration of £9,000 per annum.

It is estimated that the workload for Commissioners is in the region of a minimum of an hour and half every week - although it can sometimes be more. In addition, Commission meetings last for about two hours every six weeks.

An appointment could be made by the middle of December.

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