What is a cookie?
A cookie is a simple 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 allows a website to remember things like your preferences or what's in your shopping basket.
Most websites you visit will use cookies in order to improve your user experience by enabling that website to 'remember' you, either for the duration of your visit (using a 'session cookie') or for repeat visits (using a 'persistent cookie').
What cookies do we use?
Our website tracks a session ID for each user so that it can map the user to session state information on our servers. Currently, we use a non-persistent, session cookie to store this information. Please note that no personal information is stored within this cookie, and it is set to automatically expire when your browser is closed.
We also deploy a cookie for analytical purposes (using Google Analytics). This allows us to see how our website is being used and identify how we can improve it.
How do I restrict or block cookies?
Some cookies are strictly necessary in order to enable you to move around the website and use its features.
If you don't want to receive cookies, you can modify your browser so that it notifies you when cookies are sent to it or you can refuse cookies altogether. You can also delete cookies that have already been set.
If you wish to restrict or block web browser cookies which are set on your device then you can do this through your browser settings; the Help function within your browser should tell you how. Alternatively, you may wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org, which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of desktop browsers.
Google Analytics opt-out
Google also provide an opt-out browser add-on for Google Analytics, should you not wish any Analytics cookies to be stored on your computer.
Adobe Flash Player Cookies
The Adobe Flash Player, used to provide services such as iPlayer or web-based games, is also capable of storing information on your device. However, these cookies cannot be controlled through your web browser. Some web browser manufacturers are developing solutions to allow you to control these through your browser, but at the present time, if you wish to restrict or block Flash Cookies, then you must do this on the Adobe website.