SHOPPERS were given the chance to sample some free food yesterday and learn more about safe barbecuing.

Visitors to the farmers' market in Darlington town centre were invited to watch a demonstration organised by Darlington Borough Council's public protection's food safety campaign.

Staff and students from Darlington College of Technology served barbecued food samples while council officials gave advice and handed out leaflets on food safety tips.

The campaign followed a national television campaign promoting barbecue food safety.

It also linked into the council's campaign in local schools to promote hygiene awareness.

The Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Ron Lewis, also attended to add his support to the food safety initiative.

He said: "Now that the barbecue season is in full swing, it is essential that people are reminded of the simple food safety steps to follow when cooking outside, in order to prevent what can be serious and certainly distressing, cases of food poisoning.

"My thanks go to the staff and students of Darlington College of Technology and also to the local suppliers of the meat today, for all their support and assistance in driving this important message home."