ST HELENS Council's Consumer Advice Service is celebrating after breaking the quarter of a million pound 'cash back' barrier on behalf of local people who purchased faulty goods.

Last year, a record number of 4,085 consumers contacted the service with requests for help with problems including heels falling off shoes, double glazing which leaked and faulty second-hand cars.

For the third year in a row the number of people using the service has increased and a total of £264,600 has now been recovered on behalf of shoppers.

Councillor Terry Hanley, Portfolio member for Environmental Protection, said: "The Trading Standards Section provides the Consumer Advice Service for consumers within the borough and although the service is small, the advisors have vast experience of dealing with consumer law problems and provide an expert, confidential and free service".

The Consumer Advice Service can be contacted on 01744 456306.