SHOPPERS are being offered consumer rights advice during the countdown to Christmas.

The Consumer Support Network, (CSN), an umbrella group of advice agencies, has been launched in Middlesbrough.

Funded by a £10,000 Government grant, the scheme will see the distribution of information cards and help packs in the New Year.

Councillor Ron Lowes, an executive member of Middlesbrough Council, said: "We did a survey in local shopping centres where we asked 300 people about their consumer rights.

"More than half were sure about their rights, but when we asked them three questions only 12 percent got the answers right. It points to the need for the kind of service the CSN will provide."