A former regional daily editor is to help adjudicate on complaints brought forward to the press watchdog.

The Independent Press Standards Organisation has announced the appointment of Alastair Machray to its lay-majority Complaints Committee as an editorial member, representing local and regional newspapers.

Alastair, pictured, spent 25 years as a daily newspaper editor with the Daily Post and Liverpool Echo before departing amid an editorial restructure last year.

He won the MBE for services to local journalism in 2020 and now runs a media consulting business.

Alastair, who lives on The Wirral, said: “I am passionate about a free, yet responsible, press.

“IPSO is, I believe, the way to ensure and sustain that.

“I am proud to be involved and grateful to continue to support the industry that has given me so much.”

International human rights consultant Asmita Naik has also joined the Committee as a lay member.

IPSO chairman Lord Edward Faulks QC said: “I am delighted to welcome Asmita and Alastair to the Complaints Committee.

“Their wealth of experience will further strengthen the organisation and I know they will bring distinct and valuable perspectives to IPSO’s work.”