HUNDREDS of shoppers stopped to quiz experts at a High Street consumer awareness roadshow, while, across the city, businesses flocked to get to grips with the do's and don'ts of the industry.

The Office of Fair Trading said that the dual-purpose visit to Worcester was one of their best yet, with shoppers and retailers alike rallying to learn more about consumer rights and the watchdog's work.

More than 200 people visited the OFT and Worcestershire Trading Standards stand near Broad Street last Thursday, receiving tips and advice on issues ranging from rogue traders to internet shopping.

Shoppers' biggest bugbear was the entitlement of refunds and repairs to cars, furniture, domestic appliances, hi-fis and televisions, which was unravelled by advisers from the two organisations.

Trading Standards spokesman, Charlotte Renshaw, said the event was certainly an investment that paid off, enabling them to tap into a group that was usually out of their reach.

"It was really good to speak to consumers who we wouldn't usually be able to," she said.

"It was a bit of a gamble as we were concerned people wouldn't want to stop in the middle of the High Street and discuss their personal issues, but they didn't seem to mind coming over.

"Mainly, they were saying things like, "I've bought this, what are my rights?" but there were also bugbears about specific companies which we can now follow up.

"This information has been hard to extract in the past because people feel intimidated about calling up, but on a one-to-one basis, they feel more comfortable.

"Many also don't realise we provide a free service."

As well as giving advice, the OFT, which has already visited 16 other towns and cities across the UK, also handed out hundreds of its pocket guide on shoppers' rights, packed with plain-English indispensable tit-bits.

It includes the importance of goods being of "satisfactory quality", "as described" and "fit for their purpose" and describes how some retailers try to avoid giving a refund on faulty goods by blaming the manufacturer - a definite no-no.

Credit card providers also have their dirty laundry aired in the guide.

Unbeknown to many, flexible friends are as liable as a retailer if an item which costs between £100 and £30,000 is faulty, broken or doesn't arrive.

Consumers who shop from home also find out their additional rights, which include a cooling off period (usually seven days) in which to change their minds.

Meanwhile, at Worcester Rugby Club's conference centre, 106 small and medium-sized businesses attended a seminar to learn about the OFT's role, share their views of how markets are working and gain a better understanding of competition and consumer protection laws.

Spokesman for the OFT Julia Smith said it was a fantastic turnout and she hoped everyone left Sixways more in the know.

OFT spokesman Julia Smith said the business seminar was a great success.

"Feedback from delegates shows that they found it very useful and informative," she said.

"Listening to the presentation, they managed to glean a wealth of information to be put into practice in their businesses."

Although there is not another roadshow planned in the county, consumers with concerns can pop along to Trading Standards' monthly sessions in Malvern and Evesham.

For more information call 01684 862151 and 01386 443322, respectively.

Copies of Hot Shopping Tips are available on 0870 60 60 321, while Trading Standards can be reached on 01905 765373 or by visiting www.advicetss@ worcestershire. gov.uk (consumer) or businesstss@ worcestershire.gov.uk (businesses)