WHAT would Edina and Patsy say?

Tipple happy Blackpool folk are being duped into buying dodgy Bolly!

And Trading Standards chiefs have warned locals if they try and save money by buying Bollinger Millennium Champagne, they can expect their New Year parties to be a bit flatter than planned.

Tricksters are reported to be touring Lancashire trying to sell the dodgy drink at around £20 a bottle, less than half the price of the real stuff, which is adored by the rich and famous, and was the favourite tipple of Absolutely Fabulous stars Edina and Patsy.

The 1.5 litre bottle's label claims the drink is 12 per cent proof, but the actual drink is nearer five per cent and is a supermarket perry drink, which should cost £2.99. The source of the scam is being investigated.

It is believed to have been launched by conmen wanting to cash in on the millions of people planning to stay at home for the Millennium.

Lancashire's chief trading standards officer Jim Potts says it is easy for consumers to be duped.

He said: "The bottles look extremely convincing. It is quite easy to understand that people could be fooled."

County Coun Chris Cheetham, chairman of Lancashire's finance and general purpose sub-committee, which deals with consumer issues, said: "The normal retail price for a magnum of Bollinger Champagne is about £55, so if anyone is offered champagne at a lower price they should immediately be on their guard."

Anyone who is suspicious is urged to contact Trading Standards on (0845) 600 1352.

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