A NORTH YORKSHIRE scheme - set up to curb the cowboys heading for the region to take advantage of homeowners affected by the floods - has been hailed a success.

The county's trading standards team asked local firms willing to take on repair work in the aftermath of November's deluge to log their names with the department first.

As a result, more than 70 were included on the Emergency Flood Register, used by people looking for reputable firms who could help.

Trading standards chief Stuart Pudney said: "I am very pleased at the response from traders inside and outside the county who have come forward to be placed on the register.

"We have made checks on all of them and will not include any we have concerns about. We have already refused some traders because of previous consumer complaints.

"Businesses on the register have also signed up to a code of practice, clearly setting out how they will undertake the work and accept payments. Most importantly, they have agreed to allow trading standards officers to arbitrate in the event of a problem."

Details of the register and copies of the code of practice are available by telephoning (01609) 780780.