Nestle Rowntree Division has joined other local businesses offering to share their health and safety expertise, as part of the City of York Council's Good Neighbour Scheme.

The scheme, launched in October 2002, encourages large companies in the city to offer guidance, training and professional advice to the small business community, free of charge.

Nestle Rowntree Division are planning two free training sessions on managing safety and assessing risks, on February 18 and 25, 2003. The aim of the informal training sessions is to provide employers, managers and employees who have responsibilities for safety, with a practical basis for managing this area of law in their workplace.

David Chaplin, occupational health and safety manager, Nestle UK York, said: "Health and safety is key to our operations in the York factory and we have significant expertise in the health and safety field. Our aim is to share this expertise and our experiences with York's business community by running the courses as part of City of York Council's Good Neighbour Initiative."

Any small firm who feels that they could benefit from training in health and safety at work, should contact the council's food and safety unit to book their place by telephoning Jackie Armitage on 01904 551525 or e mail food.safety@york.gov.uk.

Businesses interested in entering the initiative can download an entry form from the council's website at www.york.gov.uk. or call Jackie for an informal chat.