Chastened QLocal reporter Roger Blaxall got his facts as mangled as the 'mangled' bike in a report on an Ormskirk crash last week.

One QLocal reader e mailed the newsdesk (see below) - Blaxall explained that one problem with minor RTA's is that sometimes they never reach the ears of the helpful Lancashire Constabulary PR office, especially when there are no serious injuries, with the paramedic too busy to answer any questions .

"You've got this all wrong, the bike wasn't involved at all it belonged to a relative of one of the drivers (who is actually the one on the phone).

"This is an embarrassment for those involved, if you're going to report on something like this at least have the decency to go over and find out what actually happened instead of just making it up.

" 'Mangled bike' ?! It's perfectly fine!"

Ouch!

We are happy to set the record straight and have amended the story this morning.

Possibly a time for reflection Mr. B. To err is human, so if a seasoned reporter like you can make a mistake; what about the poor folk at the Champion you take great delight in having a pop at. Both Q local and the Champion provide us with local news and I have no doubt that both work hard to inform us as accurately as they can. So thanks to both of you for the service you provide at no cost to us the reader. Would be nice if you could co-exist without pointing out the other's genuine mistakes. Well done for the admission though.

Here hear. Local news is important and local newspapers and local news websites do a great job in West Lancashire , on the radio we never seem to be in anyone's area.