PEOPLE living in Ryedale are to benefit from the customer-friendly efforts of the frontline staff at their district council.

Reception staff, cashiers and area office staff have shared their knowledge and experience, resulting in a code being drawn up aimed at improving customer care.

It will be on show in reception areas so the public will know the standard of service they can expect and what facilities are available to them.

Staff are keen for additional feedback from customers to be included in the code.

"Any feedback - either positive or negative - about the way our front-of-house staff deal with customers will be most gratefully appreciated," said Mandy Lightfoot, member and customer support manager for Ryedale District Council.

"This code is not just a leaflet that will be left on reception to gather dust. it is something that needs to evolve and develop to ensure that Ryedale residents can expect to receive a high level of service from our front line staff."

Chairman Councillor Brian Cottam has also backed the introduction of the Front of House Customer Care Code.

He said: "Our staff already provide a very high standard of customer care but I do think it is important that we have some published standards for customers to expect and staff to work towards."