PEOPLE planning to join a gym are being urged to be careful before signing a contract or parting with cash.

Middlesbrough Council's trading standards department says it is dealing with at least one new claim a month from people dissatisfied with their gym or health club.

Trading standards spokeswoman Jane Dent said complaints were usually about misleading information on charges or disappointment with the quality of facilities.

"Potential customers need to watch out for clauses committing them to pay for membership for a minimum time of, for example, three years," she said.

She also warned consumers to read carefully any small print relating to liability or withdrawal of services.

A free advice leaflet on the subject, produced by the Office of Fair Trading, is available at the council's consumer advice centre in Corporation Road.