A reporters' handbook, The Universal Journalist now has a web site dedicated to it.

The book, first published in 1996, is now translated into six languages and explains how new techniques added to more traditional ones can make a universally skilled journalist.

Both the book and the website looks at topics like what makes a good reporter and where stories come.

There is also information on research, as well as sources, major incidents, mistakes, corrections and hoaxes.

David said: "The site includes a database of quotes about journalism, categorised and running to many hundreds of entries.

"There are also databases of corrections, and funny headlines.

"The site also has full details of my book, which is, so my publishers tell me, the most widely available journalism textbook in the world."

David broke into journalism in 1974 on the Croydon Advertiser, where he was a trainee, working his way via sub-editor and deputy editor to editor in 1980.

By 1978 he began freelancing for national newspapers, working at The Sun and The Observer.

In 1981 he joined the Observer's staff as deputy sports editor, where he wrote the 'Sidelines' column, which led to his first book, 'Great Sporting Eccentrics', published in 1985.

In 1986 he became assistant to editor Donald Trelford and in 1987 spent three months in California studying computer systems before returning to Britain to take joint charge of the paper's transfer to direct input.

In 1987 his second book Royal Follies was published and later that year he was made assistant editor of The Observer, with responsibility for presentation. He also wrote a humour column for The Observer Magazine.

In 1990 he went to Kenya to redesign the Sunday Standard of Nairobi, an experience that gave him a taste for consultancy work, which he pursued full-time after leaving The Observer in 1993. He worked around the world from LA to Moscow and many other cities in between.

Since 1998 he has worked as a news executive at The Independent and Independent on Sunday, produced a completely revised edition of The Universal Journalist, written a weekly column and become a frequent lecturer and after-dinner speaker.

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