Evening Gazette reporter Mark Welford took time out to get in touch with his inner metrosexual when he tried a range of cosmetics aimed at men.

The reporter visited House of Fraser in Middlesbrough where he enjoyed the attentions of two make-up specialists who applied moisturiser, eye liner and under eye serum. See the transformation – complete with before and after photos – at the Evening Gazette website.

Gloucestershire Media’s racing editor Jonathan Herbert was given a note of special commendation at the Derby Awards, in London. It is the first time the honour has been handed out in the 42-year history of the awards, run by the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association.

Patron and host Lord Derby told the 600-strong audience the judges were impressed with the “high standard of his entry” in the Journalist of the Year category. Jonathan said: “I feel very proud and privileged to receive a note of special commendation, especially as it’s from my peers in the racing press.”

City University in London has launched a new Masters in political campaigning and reporting. Teaching will begin next September and focus on public affairs, politics and news media and classes will take place in the evening to allow professionals to continue working.

Guest lecturers already signed up include BBC political editor Nick Robinson and human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell. Visit city.ac.uk for more information.

The Editors’ Code of Practice Committee, which writes and revises the voluntary code of standards overseen by the Press Complaints Commission, is undertaking its annual review of the Code.

It is calling for suggestions from the public, civil society and the media industry on how the Code might be revised to improve the system of self-regulation of the press. Suggestions should be sent via e-mail to [email protected] or posted to PO Box 235, Stonehouse, GL10 3UF.

Journalism students at City College Brighton and Hove benefitted from the wisdom of media commentator and ex-Daily Mirror editor Roy Greenslade.

Roy gave a talk at the City College East campus about the current state of the media industry. He said: “Doing talks like this keeps me young and I also think it’s good for the profession that we get new entrants into the business.”