The Evening Chronicle in Newcastle has given readers an insight into Scientology, after sending an undercover reporter into the North East's only branch of the religion.

Journalist Adam Jupp, (26), spent two days learning about the religion and studying one of its courses after the paper learnt of plans to open a new church in Newcastle's city centre.

He arranged to visit a church in Sunderland, and was introduced to the religion with a 45-minute DVD which told how Scientology can cure drug addiction and improve literacy rates.

He was then asked to complete a 200-question personality test before beginning a course on 'Overcoming Ups and Downs', and kept a diary of his experiences which was published in the Chronicle.

In the diary he described how he was made to study in silence with no unscheduled breaks and was encouraged to buy books and pay for courses to improve his personality, climbing the 'Bridge to Total Freedom' along the way.

Adam told readers: "While I'm waiting for my test results, I'm handed a series of books and leaflets I can buy if I want to learn about Scientology and how it can improve my life.

"My graph shows I have the lowest possible score for depression. It also tells me I am anxious, nervous, irresponsible and critical, as well as having a lack of accord. The only area I score well on is being active.

"But the good news is Scientology can work to improve my score on all these points if I sign up to courses on marriage, how to pay bills, do better at work or a complete detox."

Adam told HoldtheFrontPage he was sceptical about some of what he had heard, and had not returned to the church since.

He said: "The personality test seemed random to me but I guess in their eyes it produces legimate results.

"There were some interesting phrases such as 'do you sometimes feel like you have got too much on your plate?' which most people would probably say yes to, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are depressed."

Following his investigation, a Scientology spokesman told Adam: "The Church can train people on workable solutions for anything from how to repair a broken relationship, how to communicate with others, how to build happy relationships, how to improve confidence or how to organise and be more efficient at work."