THE body that enforces food safety law in the region has been given a clean bill of health.

The Food Standards Agency, the government watchdog that oversees food law enforcement, carried out an audit of Durham County Council's trading standards service.

The audit found no major areas of concern and asked for only two minor improvements.

Phillip Holman, the county council's head of trading standards, said: "As well as a desktop review of our performance, some 'reality checks' were carried out and a number of food businesses were contacted for their views on the assistance we provide. The audit was intensive and looked in detail at our general planning, management and delivery performance."

County council deputy leader Don Ross said: "It's reassuring for the people of the county, and for ourselves, to come through such an audit without any areas of major concern."