A local access point for people hoping to start up businesses has opened in Northallerton.

In a joint venture with Business Link, Hambleton District Council has set up the access point at its Civic Centre headquarters.

It is the latest in a series of access points across the county, linking users to a range of information.

Details about subjects ranging from company law and finance to how to write a business plan and get export advice will be available online.

"Local people wanting to set up their own business can have free use of this terminal to access a wide range of information and services," said the district council's head of economic development and planning policy, Mick Jewitt.

"By having it in our main offices they can also easily access the relevant council officers, be it for planning matters or help in finding a suitable industrial location."