HEADLINE writing is not as simple as it may appear. Indeed, many proud sub-editors consider it an art.

A good headline will be exciting enough to convince the reader to consume the words which sit below, while also summing up the story in a nutshell.

Crucially, it will also make perfect sense and not be open to misinterpretation or ridicule.

One of the most famous headlines to fall foul of this rule is "Sheep attacks rocket".

The story was a good one - cruelty against animals was spiralling out of control - but the headline created a quite different impression.

Farmyard animals were inexplicably attacking space hardware.

Another concerned the Second World War and read: "Monty flies back to front".

The public knew what it meant - but it didn't stop people laughing out loud at what should have been the most serious of topics.

This week another shocker was added to the list - but the culprit was not a dozy journalist.

It was our very own Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne.

Liz put out a very interesting press release on her continuing campaign to promote the rights of disabled people in the European Parliament.

She has been working hard for recognition that the many inequalities suffered by the disabled are, in reality, breaches of their human rights.

The MEP has been making progress, too, by tabling a series of amendments to the Annual Report on Human Rights 2001.

So it was most unfortunate she opted to highlight her achievements under the following banner.

"MEP STANDS UP FOR DISABLED PEOPLE."