By JOEL SAWYER

SHOPPERS are being warned of the dangers posed by illuminated pictures of a waterfall, which were sold in Warrington over Christmas.

The illuminated pictures, which are plugged into wall sockets, are of a waterfall cascading into a pool.

The pictures are wooden-framed, glass-fronted and back-lit by fluorescent tubes while a motorised mechanism gives the impression of moving water.

Warrington Borough Council's trading standards department is concerned that the coloured pictures, bearing the name 'Plustron' and selling for around £35, have significant wiring defects.

Although the pictures are CE marked, in accordance with electrical equipment safety regulations, they have inadequate insulation of the wiring and could pose a serious risk of fire or electrocution.

Edwina Greenwood, principal trading standards officer, said: "It is likely that these pictures may have been given as Christmas presents and the recipients are unaware that they may have a potential fire hazard in their homes.

"Our advice to consumers is to switch it off at the mains immediately, unplug the picture and return it to the place of purchase.

"If you have given one as a present, we advise you to contact the person who the picture was given to as a matter of urgency."

Trading standards officers have identified a Warrington retailer who has sold a large number of the pictures, but there may be other retailers in the area who have also sold them.