A council is hoping £500 may be enough to persuade more people to pay their council tax by direct debit.

When bills are distributed across Richmondshire over the next couple of weeks, those who opt for the authority's preferred system will be entered in a prize draw.

The winner scoops £500 in cash and the second prize is a microwave donated by Tesco.

The draw is open to everyone committed to paying council tax by direct debit by the end of April this year - including those already using the system. The draw will be held on Friday, May 31.

To sign up call (01748) 829100, ext 229 or 246.