POLICE and trading standards officials seized CD copying equipment and thousands of master discs during a raid in Bury.

Investigators believe the discs may have been used to pirate music, films and games.

A man aged in his 20s is now facing possible charges under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988), the Trade Marks Act (1994) and the Trade Descriptions Act (1968).

A library containing thousands of master discs, forming the repertoire of material available for making counterfeit copies of music CDs, films and Playstation games, was discovered.

A number of computer-operated duplication systems, including a 20 bay high speed CD duplicator, often used for illegal copying, were also seized from two addresses in Bury.

The swoops were conducted by Bury Council's trading standards team with the assistance of Greater Manchester Police and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Nick Kounoupias, of the MCPS Anti-Piracy Unit, said: "Here is further evidence of the commercial music counterfeiter who bases his or her illegal business in their home.

"Many believe they won't get caught if they copy at home, but the repeated success of investigations proves otherwise."

Peter Jagger, the council's trading standards manager, commented: "It is not just big businesses that suffer as a result of this type of activity. Local people suffer when money is diverted from the legitimate economy.

"Jobs can be lost and genuine traders lose business and earnings. Local people can make a difference by not being tempted to buy cheap, fake CDs."

The raid follows on from the north west DVD piracy consumer awareness campaign launched at the Filmworks in Manchester ten days ago, as the film, video and music industry prepares for a Christmas flood of counterfeit goods.

Anyone wishing to bring counterfeiting to the council's attention can contact trading standards on 0161 253 5566.