Loan sharks targeted by County Durham pub landlords
Pub landlords across County Durham have been warning customers of the dangers of borrowing from loan sharks.
Trading standards officers have joined forces with the county's Pubwatch initiative and the England Illegal Money Lending Team for the project.
There are fears that in the run up to Christmas people may be tempted to take out illegal loans, which can come with extortionate rates of interest.
Beer mats with a warning message and helpline numbers have been distributed.
There have also been training sessions for publicans and bar staff to alert them to what an illegal money lender is and how they operate.
They can then point their customers in the right direction should they fall victim.