The Press Complaints Commission has said it plans to hold two further open days next year, following the success of its first event in Manchester on Tuesday.

The press watchdog hosted its first ever open day at Manchester Art Gallery in conjunction with the Manchester Evening News as part of an initiative to further increase awareness of its services.

And it has said that following the well-attended event, similar open days will be held in Cardiff and Edinburgh next year.

Members of the public, local councillors and representatives from special interest groups were among those who attended, meeting Commissioners and members of staff from the PCC.

Commission chairman Sir Christopher Meyer said: “It is clear from the welcome, and positive responses, we have received today just how important it is for the PCC to make its presence felt outside of the M25 circle.

“Our job is always to demonstrate to members of the public, especially the vulnerable, that we are here to help and events like this can only mean that ever more people are empowered to use our services.

“I would like to record my gratitude to the Manchester Evening News – in particular its editor Paul Horrocks – for all the invaluable help we have been given in the day’s organisation and now very much look forward to next year’s meetings in Cardiff and Edinburgh, and beyond.”

Together with an exhibition, two workshops were held during the day, hosted by Commissioners Professor the Lord Chan and Vivien Hepworth, and PCC staff.

Almost 100 people also attended an open forum where PCC chairman Sir Christopher Meyer spoke on the role of the Commission and self-regulation.

He then chaired a panel of members, which also included Manchester Evening News editor Paul Horrocks, PCC director Guy Black and Vivien Hepworth, to answer questions and comments about the work of the PCC.