A TRADING standards and licensing team has been named among the best in the country.

The Stockton Borough Council's staff has been awarded a silver certificate of excellence, putting it in the top 25 enforcement authorities.

The service was recognised for its work to protect consumers from being ripped off with substituted and adulterated spirits in licensed premises.

Over the past 18 months, 17 cases of tampering with spirits have been identified, resulting in one prosecution and ten formal cautions or warnings. A further seven investigations are continuing.

Councillor Paul Kirton, cabinet member for community safety, said: "This is an area of consumer fraud where customers can't easily spot inferior or adulterated products for themselves.

"It is therefore essential that our officers continue with their unannounced inspections in pubs, clubs and restaurants in the area to check the strength, authenticity and measure of drinks being sold."