FOOD businesses in Teesdale are being encouraged to take advantage of hygiene courses being run by the council.

Teesdale District Council is running two day-long courses in food hygiene next month.

People taking part in the training will gain the Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene.

The courses are being subsidised by the council and cost £10 per person to cover certificate fees.

The courses were requested by local food businesses after the council organised a successful training day last year.

People taking part will be given guidance and documentation to help them comply with regulations as well as further coaching at their premises if required.

The training will be at Marwood Community Centre, Kinninvie, near Barnard Castle, on February 21 or February 28 from 10.30am to 4.30pm with lunch included.

The council's environmental health officer, Brian Whelan, said: "We realise that the introduction of legislation can be daunting and confusing. This is why we have organised the training days so that we can give the correct advice and information to the businesses that we inspect."