FOOD hygiene tips are being offered as part of a free safety course organised by one of the region's largest landlords.

The Level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Court has been designed to ensure food is prepared in ways that minimise the risk of contamination in household kitchens.

The County Durham Housing Group will host the course for the region's residents cooking at home or those looking to work in catering.

Sean Robson, County Durham Housing Group community training coordinator, said: “Cooking for your family, or for work, is a something that almost all of us do on a daily basis.

“Food hygiene is a really important qualification and the knowledge will stay with you forever. Once you’ve learnt it you’ll wonder why you left it so long.”

The course will run in the Auckland Youth and Community Centre, off Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland, on Friday, September 29.

For more information, call 0191-3497753 or email training@cdhg.co.uk