A journalist who suffered serious facial injuries during a late night city centre assault has been allowed home.

Christine Harle, a sub-editor with The Journal, is recovering well after undergoing reconstructive face surgery at Newcastle General Hospital.

She was attacked as she left work at 1.20am on January 11, and had her handbag stolen.

The 50-year-old is now recuperating at home after having her jaw wired, and a number of steel plates have been used to piece broken bones in her face together.

She is still suffering from some blurred vision.

Brian Aitken, editor of The Journal, said: "She has come through the operation very well.

"She is making a remarkable recovery, the way she has faced up to absolutely everything.

"She has been cracking jokes and said she now has a better nose than she did before. She told the plastic surgeons that to see what she looked like before they should get a photo of Audrey Hepburn.

"Her sense of humour is shining through this and she is looking much, much better.

"Already she is talking about coming back to work."

Christine, who has been at The Journal for 20 years, managed to struggle to her car and lock herself in after the attack, but spent more than an hour drifting in and out of consciousness before being able call colleague George Macintyre for help on her mobile phone.

A suspect has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and robbery but has yet to enter a formal plea.