Most websites you visit will use cookies in order to improve your user experience by enabling that website to 'remember' you.
If a website doesn't use cookies, it will think you are a new visitor every time you move to a new page on the site - for example, when you enter your login details and move to another page it won't recognise you and it won't be able to keep you logged in.
What are cookies?
A cookie is a small, often encrypted text file that is stored on your computer or mobile device by a website's server and only that server will be able to retrieve or read the contents of that cookie. Each cookie is unique to your web browser. It will contain some anonymous information such as a unique identifier and the site name and some digits and numbers. It is used to help users navigate websites efficiently and perform certain functions.
What cookies are used on this website?
Compliance Cookies
This cookie allows us to know whether or not you have given consent to the use of cookies and therefore do not need to be presented with this consent request message again.
Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count page visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site, using a service provided by Google Analytics.
Session Cookies
These cookies store temporary information to enable site functionality. They are automatically deleted when you close your browser.
Functional cookies
These are cookies used for core site functionality.
How to configure your cookie preferences
Every browser program (such as Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome etc) provides the ability for the user to configure their preferences. Refer to the help section of your particular browser to find out how to configure your own preference.
Frequently asked questions
What has changed, and how does this affect me?
Our website has always used cookies to create the most secure and effective website for you. As part of a change in legislation, all websites are now required to provide additional information on what cookies are, how they are used and what benefits they bring. These changes will not affect the way in which you currently use our website.
Do I need to accept cookies?
The current changes to our website simply explain what cookies are, how we use them and what benefits they bring. You are not currently required to do anything, other than read our Cookie Policy to understand these changes.
Can cookies allow others access to my computer's hard drive?
The cookies we use cannot look into your computer, smart phone or web-enabled device and obtain information about you or your family or read any material kept on your hard drive.
If I use a public computer, will someone be able to get my details from the cookies?
Our cookies cannot be used by anyone else who has access to the computer to find out anything about you, other than the fact that someone using the computer may have visited a certain website.
More information about cookies can be found on www.allaboutcookies.org