What is a cookie?

A cookie is a simple text file that is downloaded and stored on your computer by your web browser, each time you visit a website. Each cookie is unique to your web browser, and only your web browser will be able to retrieve and/or read the contents of cookies on your computer. The web browser will store cookies and then send them back to the relevant website on subsequent visits so that it remembers you.

Cookies contain anonymous information such as a unique identifier, the website name and some digits and numbers. We use a mixture of ‘session’ cookies, cookies stored in your web browser for a limited time while you are accessing our website, and ‘persistent’ cookies, those which are stored for days (sometimes months) and which are activated each time you revisit our website.

Why use cookies?

Most websites you visit will use cookies in order to improve your user experience, namely by enabling that website to recognise you and remember things like personalised details or user preferences. And when we say ‘you’, we mean your computer.

How to configure your cookie preferences

Please remember that cookies on our website are there to improve your experience in using our website (without them, online advertisements you encounter will be less relevant to you and your interests) and do not collect any personal identifiable information from you. However there are ways in which you can control and manage the cookies on your device. Most modern web browsers will allow you to:

• See what cookies you’ve got and delete them on an individual basis.
• Block third party cookies.
• Block cookies from particular sites.
• Block all cookies from being set.
• Delete all cookies when you close your browser.

Every web browser (such as Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome and Firefox) lets you change your cookie preferences. Alternatively for more detailed information and guidance on the use of cookies please see the ICO website for further information.