Seized

Blackburn with Darwen Trading Standards Officers confiscated almost 300 bands bearing the 'Livestrong' logo from Blackburn market yesterday, following a tip-off from the Evening Telegraph.

The raids came as Lancashire County Council Trading Standards advised people not to buy the colourful rubber wristbands from street sellers on the assumption that they are making a contribution to charity or good causes.

Charities have begun selling coloured bands for up to £3 following the success of the US-based Lance Armstrong Foundation's 'Livestrong' yellow wristbands.

They have been sold to raise money for cancer charities supported by the Tour de France cycle champion.

Last week more than 6,000 fake wristbands smuggled into Scotland from China were seized by customs officers in the first raid of its kind in the UK.

Some shoppers at Blackburn market were told that bands were sold in aid of various charities, including aid for the tsunami victims and anti-bullying charities.

And Trading Standards officers have received complaints from members of the public that counterfeit 'Livestrong' bands are being sold in East Lancashire.

Chris Allen, head of trading standards for Blackburn with Darwen, said: "We have taken positive action in seizing these goods and enquiries will be made now into the source of these wristbands - as they have not come from the official retailers.

"By selling bands with the 'Livestrong' logo, traders could be misleading the public into thinking that the proceeds of the sale will go to charity, which may not be the case and they then can be prosecuted for obtaining money through deception.

"The producers of bogus bands have hijacked an idea that was intended to raise money for charity.

"A report will now be submitted by the officers involved in the raids will a view to formal proceedings."

A spokesperson for Oxfam, which has sold 320,000 white anti-poverty wristbands - like the one worn by Prime Minister Tony Blair - said they were shocked that people would profit commercially from something designed to help people.

She said: "This is a very sad situation that people have used these bands to make money for themselves - it is a very greedy thing to do.

"People who want to help Oxfam stop World poverty should buy from only reputable sources or from the official Oxfam website."

A spokesperson from Breast Cancer Care, which produces pink wristbands, added: "We want this money to go towards vital information and support for those affected by cancer in the UK - not into the hands of counterfeiters."

Genuine 'Livestrong' bands are sold only via Nike stockists in the UK or the Lance Armstrong Foundation website in the US.

Executive member for regeneration for the council, Coun Andy Kay said: "We are happy to work alongside the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and Trading Standards in a bid to stamp out counterfeit goods of all descriptions."

Anyone who suspects 'Livestrong' bands are being mis-sold can contact Trading Standards on 0845 600 1352.