MIDDLESBROUGH trading standards officers are offering advice to people planning ahead for Christmas on how to avoid "Farepak-style" heartache.

Officers have looked at Christmas savings accounts available from building societies or credit unions, and savings schemes offered by retail stores.

Jane Dent, trading standards advice centre manager, said "Christmas is an expensive time of year for most people.

"After the problems with Farepak last year, people are understandably wary about savings schemes, but they shouldn't let this put them off making plans for this year."

Trading Standards recommend the Scarborough Building Society, which has a high interest account of up to six per cent that pays a £5 bonus if the saver is a new member.

There are nine credit unions in Middlesbrough open to people living or working in the town.

Superstore savings vouchers are also recommended.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council executive member for community safety and leisure, said: "Many people had their Christmas ruined by Farepak's collapse last year.

"Although considerable efforts were made by this council and many other agencies to reduce the effects, it is clearly better to avoid the problem in the first place.

"I am particularly delighted to see that some places have taken the time to produce accounts designed specifically to avoid the difficulties we saw last year."