BE careful what you play with this Christmas, is the message from Warrington Borough Council consumer watchdogs as fears increase over safety standards in toys.

Each year around 2,500 children in the UK need hospital treatment after playing with unsafe toys.

Now the council's trading standards team has issued guidelines to consumers hoping to avoid potentially tragic consequences this Christmas.

Consumers are urged to buy toys that meet safety standards with the CE or Lion Mark. Parents are also encouraged to follow any instructions and make sure packaging is disposed of safely.