TRADING standards officers have won Government funding to set up a Good Garage Guide.

Consumer Affairs Minister, Melanie Johnson, announced the success of a bid for the Guide, by the five Tees Valley authorities, at a trading standards conference in Cardiff.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's chief trading standards officer, Jeff Bell, who led the bid, said it would aid consumer choice and back garages offering a fair deal.

With the Government's support, the scheme can now be rolled out throughout the area, operating until March 2003.

Mr Bell said: "Those garages that volunteer to join the scheme will have their fair trading credentials audited."

"We will offer guidance on how to improve consumer support and will be quizzing them on their knowledge and application of consumer rights."