A WEBSITE has been launched to help people beat the bugs and enjoy festive food.

Middlesbrough Borough Council's food safety officers have teamed up with Newbould's the butchers to develop a food hygiene website.

Based on a course that was developed last year by the partnership, it contains information on food hygiene and handling techniques, nutrition and dietary advice.

There is a food safety quiz, and a section aimed at children.

The site has been set up with voluntary and community groups particularly in mind, although it can be used by anyone who prepares food.

Councillor Ken Hall, Middlesbrough's commissioner for the environment, said: "I'm glad that we've worked with Newbould's to come up with this new and imaginative approach to food hygiene. This is a very positive example of partnership working with retailers in the town."