This autumn the Office of Fair Trading has launched a major consumer awareness campaign on shoppers' rights with the aim of increasing local consumers knowledge of their rights on the high street.

As part of the campaign, the Office of Fair Trading has been carrying out a regional radio advertising campaign, seminars and a regional road show programme which, so far, has visited thirteen towns and cities throughout the UK.

York consumers can take advantage of Hot shopping Tips, a handy purse-size guide on shoppers' rights, that is also available and includes a brief guide to consumer legislation and the following helpful tips and advice:

Goods must be of satisfactory quality - free of any defects unless pointed out to you by the seller and accepted by you

Goods should be as described. If a garment is described as 100% wool it should not be made from polyester

Purchases must be fit for their purpose - they should work for a reasonable amount of time. A kettle should not leak the first time you use

If an item is perfect a retailer is under no obligation to exchange it or provide a refund - they might as a goodwill gesture

Don't delay your complaint for too long - you might be judged to have accepted the product. A receipt is not a legal necessity, but proves when and where you bought an item

A retailer cannot avoid giving a refund by blaming the manufacturer - your contract is with him

A customer does not have the right to reject goods if any faults have been pointed out before the purchase was made

Under the Consumer Credit Act the card provider is liable as well as the retailer if the item you buy is faulty, broken or does not arrive. The item must cost between £100 and £30,000

Home shoppers have additional rights - they have a cooling off period and a right to cancel if the order is not delivered in 30 days.

John Vickers, OFT chairman, says: "We want shoppers to be in a better position to get what they want. If you know your shopping rights and shop around, you are more likely to get the best deal and get any problems dealt with effectively".

For copies of Hot Shopping Tips or advice about any shopping problem contact City of York trading standards on 01904 551562 for telephone advice or to make an appointment. You can also visit the website at www.york.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards

Updated: 08:56 Thursday, October 16, 2003