The Crawley News has won an apology from a radio DJ who labelled its town "a dump" live on air.

The newspaper has this week published an apology from Duncan Barkes, a DJ at West Sussex station Spirit FM, after being tackled by reporter Maheesha Kottegoda.

He caused outrage after insulting the town in a breakfast show broadcast, saying that Crawley should have a fence put round it and he wouldn't socialise with anyone from the town.

But Maheesha hit back, dismissing his comments as "plain snobbery" and highlighting the good that the town does for its county's economy.

And relenting in the newspaper, Duncan has now made an apology - albeit a little tongue in cheek.

He wrote: "I've received some e-mails from readers who agree with my comments. But since the insults and comments have been flying, I've been discovering some of the delights that Crawley has to offer.

"I am very impressed with Troy's Kebab shop - someone should franchise that place and open up loads of them - beautiful chilli sauce and splendid service.

"Also, I had a very good Indian meal at a place called Zari's so I'm happy to retract my statement that the town has nowhere decent to eat.

"...I've been quoted as saying Crawley is a dump - I'd like to change that to 'frump'.

"I feel the town is like the slightly less attractive older sister of glamorous Chichester - though you still would after a few pints. Know what I'm saying?"