The editor of the Evening Star, Ipswich, has called for David Blunkett to apologise to the regional press following comments he made earlier this week about media "insanity".

In an open letter to the Home Secretary, editor Nigel Pickover defends the regional press over Mr Blunkett's remarks that the media are "almost on the edge of insanity".

He also asks for an apology "to the thousands of hard-working regional newspaper journalists", saying "your comments are as offensive as they are inaccurate".

Mr Blunkett's anti-media comments were made during a crime conference where he also said he was considering "hiding myself away" in the Home Office to avoid the "abuse and ridicule" of the press.

However the Home Secretary's aides have since insisted that the comments were a joke and made off the cuff as a way of warming up the audience and giving them a laugh.

Nigel said: "People will see those comments and think that he is attacking everyone. David Blunkett should know better. In Sheffield, where he is MP, he has a good, loyal evening paper.

"It has been said that his comments were a throway line, but - like Cherie Blair - they should think more carefully before they say these things.

"The regional press are his best friend. We campaign on law and order, and fight for ordinary people and ordinary lives.

"I'm hoping he will apologise and that he will recognise the invaluable role of the regional press - we do a heck of a lot of good work."

To read Nigel's letter in full, click here.

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