People walking down Republic Street, Valletta this morning will be able to do more than their shopping: Information officers from the Consumer and Competition Division and the European Consumer Centre will be on hand to answer any consumer-related questions they might have.

The officers will be manning a stand in front of the law courts in an event marking Consumer Day celebrated across the globe annually on March 15. The initiative is part of the EU's ongoing information campaign on consumer rights.

Educational material will be distributed to passers-by while Ray Calleja, the face of the EU's consumer rights information campaign in Malta, will be mingling with consumers attending the activity.

The European Commission's main message this year is: Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights.

To mark this day, a supplement published by the European Commission is also being distributed with The Times today.

Consumers are encouraged to contact Consumer House on 2122 1901 or the Consumer and Competition Division on 8007 4400 or to log on to the website of the Consumer Association at www.camalta.org for further information.