Google UK has finally introduced the local search and mapping tools that were launched in the US earlier this year.

Revealed late on Tuesday, Google UK Maps and Local Search are two services built around an interactive map. The mapping service allows users to get accurate directions between two UK destinations while Local Search provides listings of local services, such as restaurants, and indicates their position on the map.

For example users in Soho, London, searching for a bar in their neighbourhood, enter the keyword "Bar", plus their postcode or "Soho" into the search fields and Google local search produces a list of nearby bars. Each result is accompanied by a phone number, street address and links to related sites. Users can also search by street name, London Underground station or airport. The local business information is supplied through a new partnership between Google UK and the online arm of the Yellow Pages, Yell.com.

Read more: ZDNet UK