Why are BBC reporters all wearing The North Face anoraks?

Everyone knows that BBC news reporters aren't allowed to advertise.

And the corporation insists that it has no special deals with any clothing companies.

So it is just coincidence, we are assured, that correspondents presenting their dispatches from chilly climes seem increasingly to opt for the same brand of anorak – The North Face.

Its instantly-recognisable logo with the curved stripes has been seen on screen in a variety of locations across the U.S. and Europe, providing invaluable publicity for the manufacturer.

At the Davos summit in Switzerland this week, economics editor Evan Davis wassporting a natty khaki padded North Face jacket. Business presenter Declan Curry was similarly attired, although he managed almost to conceal the logo with his scarf.

Over on Newsnight, which sets the fashion trends at BBC News, David Grossman took his outerwear over to the U.S. for the New Hampshire primaries.

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Newsnight science editor Susan Watts wore an almost identical jacket when she reported from a power station in Somerset, although a strategically-placed lapel tab covered the logo.

Paris correspondent Clive Myrie flew theNorth Face flag in Calais, while transport correspondent Tom Symonds plumped for a bright-red design, again with prominent logo, when he was called to report after the crash landing at Heathrow Airport.

His colleague Keith Breene was in black and blue, but the logo was not in evidence. Apparently it is only the reporters who insist on the North Face.

BBC insiders say producers are more likely to be spotted wearing jackets by rival outdoor specialists Berghaus and Helly Hansen.

Berghaus, with its less obtrusive logo, has traditionally been a favourite at the corporation, as it used to be offered a discount by a shop in West London. That store has, however, closed down. North Face is part of the VF Corporation, which owns the jeans brands Wrangler and Lee, and is based in Canada.

Its products are made in Asia, the U.S., Mexico and South America, and cost as much as £180.

A BBC insider said: "There is no doubt these companies like having their brands shown on the news and occasionally I have heard of firms approaching a reporter and offering them a free jacket.

"I have heard this has happened with two people – technically that's illegal because BBC reporters are not allowed to get any freebies."