A TV commercial has been highlighting the importance of good food hygiene, particularly in relation to barbecued food.

The commercial, created by Tees Valley authorities, was first broadcast in June and builds on radio work carried out last year.

Leaflets will also be distributed through food outlets to reinforce the campaign.

Rob Llewellyn, Stockton Borough Council's principal environmental health officer, said: "In Stockton, we are continually pressing home the message about the importance of food hygiene across the board, from restaurants to schools, and this advertisement will help us to drive that message into the homes of the Tees Valley.

"The television commercial gets the message home in an informative way, yet it does carry a humourous edge.

"It will air during the barbecue period, when we traditionally see a reported rise in food poisoning."