BLACKPOOL parents are being warned not to buy fake Harry Potter videos in the run up to Christmas.

Counterfeit copies of the film have been found on sale at markets and car boot sales in West Lancashire during Lancashire County Council Trading Standards' annual seasonal clampdown.

According to a county council spokesman, officers seized suspected fake computer games, videos and DVDs, including the new Harry Potter film, during visits to Sunday markets throughout the county.

Suspected fake chart CDs of artistes such as Robbie Williams, Blue, Steps and Russell Watson were also discovered.

Offenders run the risk of prosecution under the Trade Marks Act and penalties including a maximum ten years' custodial sentence.

County Councillor Tim Ormrod, who has special responsibility for public protection and rural affairs at the county council, warned parents not to be lured into buying Harry Potter videos as Christmas presents.

"Harry Potter has not been released on video and yet the counterfeits are already out," he said. "However the actual quality of the product is not of the standard expected in genuine goods. This can be a let-down and can be especially disappointing on Christmas morning."

He added: "Counterfeiting is a serious crime costing reputable business £9 billion per year and over 4000 lost jobs in the last year alone. People may think that they are getting a bargain but they are buying inferior products for which there is no come back when it goes wrong.

"Worse still by buying counterfeit goods people may well be funding organised crime."

He appealed for anyone who knows of somebody who is involved in counterfeiting activities to contact Lancashire Trading Standards on 0845 600 1352 or phone Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Consumers can log on to the government website www.intellectual-property.gov.uk for information about how to avoid fakes.