A radio station has apologised to the Chronicle in Newcastle after broadcasting offensive comments from someone claiming to represent the paper.

Century FM's "Baldy Brothers" show was targeted by a hoaxer who claimed to be the Chronicle's official spokesman during a discussion about a story the paper had carried.

Readers said the contributor had been "rude and offensive".

Century, which apologised on air and to the Chronicle, issued a statement through marketing director Lisa Higgins, who said: "We recognise that the caller did mislead the station and that he was in fact a hoax."

The Chronicle has reported that an internal inquiry has been ordered as to how the mistake happened is under way, and that Century had the caller's telephone number and was preparing to take further action.

Chronicle editor Paul Robertson said: "I was angry and disappointed comments were made without the proper checks. I have no problem with people criticising stories we run and I am always prepared to put our point of view.

"But I took great exception to the fact that an irresponsible individual was given airtime which prompted further calls and upset many of our readers."

He said he was particularly disappointed at the suggestion The Chronicle had not shown great support towards the region's Capital of Culture bid.

But he added that while he was unhappy so many readers and listeners had been misled, he thanked the radio station bosses for acting swiftly.

"We are all part of the North East and we have a good working relationship with all the local radio stations," he said.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk