A national publicity campaign aimed at tightening safety rules for children's toys is under way to coincide with post-Christmas sales.

The Government says 36,000 children are hurt each year in accidents involving toys.

The Consumer Affairs Minister, Nigel Griffiths, is warning shoppers to be on their guard against buying dangerous toys in the sales - especially from fly-by-night retailers.

He is also asking parents to be more vigilant about accidents in the home caused by toys left lying on the floor.

The campaign includes a TV advert to promote toy safety rules and 500,000 leaflets to ensure the message reaches as many families as possible.

Parents are being warned to be more vigilant

Mr Griffiths said: "The Government is launching this campaign as 36,000 children are injured each year in accidents involving toys.

"People are looking for bargains in the sales but there are three key things toy buyers can do to shop safely.

"First they can check toys for sharp edges and make sure parts like teddies' eyes can't be pulled off and swallowed by a young child.

"People must remember to buy the right toy for the right age, a specific warning about toys being unsuitable for children under three years is an instruction, not a bit of advice.

"And you should always buy from an outlet you can trust - not from someone who is here today and gone tomorrow.

"Your child's safety is too important to be left to chance," said Mr Griffiths, the MP for Edinburgh South.

Leaflets will be distributed to doctors' surgeries, local authorities, Citizens Advice Bureaux, playgroups and other child organisations.

They spell out to parents the dangers of hanging on to broken toys and advise them to keep rooms and stairs free of toys to prevent tripping up.
 

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