A NEW scheme to provide Darlington shoppers with easier access to advice and information has been launched.

Darlington council's trading standards department has set up the Darlington Consumer Support Network (DCSN) to help inform consumers of their rights and make sure they get the best deals.

DCSN is made up of the trading standards officers, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Darlington Library, First Stop, Age Concern and the Council for Voluntary Services.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has given the network a £10,000 grant which will be used to raise awareness of the new service and fund research to find out how it can meet the needs of consumers.

Paul Baldwin, the council's cabinet member for community protection, said: "These organisations have teamed up to co-ordinate and improve access to consumer advice and information.

"Consumers in Darlington can now look forward to a more convenient service that will aim to give people the help they need, when they need it."