Banned toy given as fair prize

Yo-balls were banned this April because of fears they could strangle

Parents are being warned that a toy banned over safety fears may have been given to children as a fairground prize.

Trading standards officers issued the warning after discovering the Yo-Ball had been given as prizes at the Northcroft Fair in Newbury, Berkshire.

Officers from West Berkshire Council seized the remaining toys, but they believe many had already been given out.

Yo-Balls were banned in Britain in April, after tests showed they could pose a risk of strangulation - although five million had already been sold.

The balls are made of jelly-like material, with a long strap with a finger loop at the end.

The strap is highly elastic and can be stretched to great lengths.

Keith Ulyatt from West Berkshire Council said: "Anyone who did receive a Yo-ball is advised to immediately stop using it and destroy and dispose of it."