PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice has welcomed the Government's new toy safety campaign by warning local shoppers to watch out for dangerous toys in the January sales.

He said parents and others buying toys should follow the key safety rules by clearing out broken toys, keeping rooms and stairs free from broken toys, check toys for sharp edges and make sure that parts such as teddy's eyes can't be pulled out.

Mr Prentice advised: "Buy the right toys for the right age. The specific warning on labels about toys being unsuitable fo children under three is an instruction not a bit of advice.

"Buy from an outlet you can trust, not from someone who is here today and gone tomorrow. Your children's safety is too important to be left to chance."

Over 36,000 children were injured last year in accidents involving toys.

Mr Prentice said: "People are looking for bargains in the sales but it is important to heed the important message in the Government's new toy safety leaflet."

Consumer Minister Nigel Griffiths welcomed Mr Prentice's support saying: "We are circulating half a million toy safety leaflets and underpinning the campaign with a TV advert to get this vital safety message across."

Copies of the leaflet can be obtained from DTI Consumer Safety Publications, Admail 528, London SW1W8YT, tel. 0171-5100151.

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