FOOD and drink customers are being urged to look before they book this Christmas.

District council environmental health officers want customers to check the food rating of businesses before they buy.

The ratings system was launched across Hambleton and Richmondshire 14 months ago to help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food.

Businesses are rated from nought to five – five for the best and nought for the worst.

So far more than 1,000 businesses across the two districts are members of the scheme - restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways and hotels as well as supermarkets and food shops.

The ratings are displayed on window stickers and certificates, as well as being listed on food.gov.uk/ratings; hambleton.gov.uk and richmondshire.gov.uk.