A MASSIVE public information campaign has swung into action to give Hampshire householders information about the millennium bug.

Thousands of "bug" booklets will soon be dropping onto doormats across the South, providing guidance on how to prepare for the unexpected at the turn of the century.

The guides, which are being distributed from Southampton's new mail centre next to the city's airport, contain guidance and tips to ensure people are steered through the maze of millennium bug myths.

Gwynneth Flower, from Action 2000, which is co-ordinating the information campaign, said: "As we approach New Year's Eve it is time to bring together the latest information for consumers.

"An increasing amount of information directed towards the public is ill-informed, inaccurate speculation and scaremongering. Banks are not going to lose your financial records and your central heating will come on."

The guide, compiled in conjunction with key service-providers, trade associations and consumer groups, deals with all aspects of the bug.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.