AN ADVICE service for consumers is to be expanded in the North Tees area.

Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing unit's consumer advice service, based in Stockton Central Library, is contacted by 8,000 people a year and advisors obtain hundreds of thousands of pounds on consumers' behalf.

Now a new advisor has been appointed to work alongside the two already in post.

Martyn Ingram, the council's lead councillor for community safety, said: "The appointment of our third consumer advisor, Tanvir Hussair, means that we can offer increased service provision for the residents of Stockton.

"Tanvir, who speaks fluent Urdu and Punjabi, is a fully-trained and experienced advisor, previously working in North Yorkshire and, as such, will make an immediate impact."

Funding has been made available after a review of services recommended reducing administration costs andputting resources into front line services.

The Advice Service's new website address is www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/stockton