A HYGIENE campaign is being launched to save a town's residents from food poisoning over the festive season.

One thousand information packs, 4,000 leaflets, free labels and themed fridge magnets are being distributed across Middlesbrough.

Council officials are concerned that people could be harmed by leftovers from Christmas dinners, parties and buffets being kept at room temperature.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, of Middlesbrough Council, said: "This is a useful campaign providing commonsense advice for the public on the safe storage of food, in particular, leftover food, which may have been left at room temperature for long periods."

Judith Hedgley, principal environmental health officer at the council, said: "The majority of food poisoning is caused by poor preparation and storing of food in our homes.

"Following a few simple rules will reduce the chances of coming down with food poisoning."

Essential tips include covering all foods and keeping raw and cooked foods separate.

Information packs are available free at supermarkets and at the council's advice centre in Corporation Road.

Emphasising just what a balancing act food safety can be over Christmas and New Year, environmental health officers took to the town's open-air skating rink yesterday dressed in costumes.