What is a Cookie?
A cookie is a simple text file that allows a website to “remember” you, for the duration of your current visit to a site or in subsequent visits. It is stored on your computer or mobile device by the website you are using.
Why do websites use cookies?
Websites use cookies to let you navigate between pages efficiently, store your preferences and improve your website experience. Without them, the website may think you are a new visitor every time you move to a new page. For example, without a cookie, the website won’t be able to keep you logged in. Sometimes cookies store information on your location and browsing habits. This information may then be used to target you with personalised advertising and marketing messages.
How do cookies work?
The website’s server will be able to retrieve or read the contents of the cookie it has placed on your device. 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.
This website simply uses one cookie; to manage Google Analytics.
Turning cookies off
Whilst cookies are generally quite harmless, we appreciate that some users may wish to disable them, particularly to avoid being targeted for certain advertising and marketing. It is possible to block some or all cookies and to delete cookies already stored on your machine. Managing your cookies is done differently across different browsers and so we direct you to the websites of the most common web browsers as outlined in the table below. Please be aware that you may lose some functions on some websites as a result of altering cookie settings.
Internet Explorer
Firefox
Chrome
Safari
Useful sites for further information on cookies
Information Commissioner’s Office
AboutCookies.org