Journalists have been told by the press watchdog to end the use of misleading language when writing about asylum seekers.

The Press Complaints Commission issued guidance last week that stressed there is no such thing in law as an "illegal asylum seeker", after becoming concerned that parts of the media were using incorrect terms to describe asylum seekers and refugees.

Refugee Council chief executive Maeve Sherlock said: "We're delighted that the PCC has taken an interest in the asylum debate, and has recognised the role it can play in improving media coverage."