A NEW guide to help Droitwich Spa people buy with confidence in the run-up to Christmas has been launched by the county's trading standards service.

The Before You Buy guide gives handy hints and tips on how to avoid consumer problems before they happen -- including information on buying cars, electrical goods, services and all general purchases.

Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards Service is hoping to encourage people to follow the advice before making purchases this Christmas.

The guide, written by the county's consumer advisor, Lorraine Williams, is available directly from trading standards free-of-charge.

It also includes contact details for anyone wishing to seek advice on consumer problems.

The council's portfolio holder for culture and community, Stephen Clee (Con, Chaddesley), said easily available advice is essential to protect the people of the county from potentially sticky situations.

He added: "The trading standards service is well-known for helping people when they run into problems, but they're also taking a lead in helping people to avoid running into those problems in the first place.

"By following a few simple rules that aren't always obvious it's possible to seriously reduce the chance of being caught out by irresponsible or unscrupulous traders."