Trading Standards Christmas toy danger warning

And, if parents were to fork out for all 12 toys, they would have to part with close to 500 based on the recommended retail price (RRP) of each.

No wonder then that, in such difficult financial times, many hard-pressed parents look for alternatives.

Unfortunately, Trading Standards officers fear that this factor will play into the hands of those selling fakes.

And the team is warning all consumers to be vigilant as saving money could mean risking safety.

Jim Sinclair, Divisional Trading Standards Officer, said: "We fully expect that lower grade copies of these will be made and sold at more affordable prices whilst still being passed off as the genuine article.

"Manufacturers, retailers and consumer bodies such as ourselves are working together to keep the fraudsters at bay but the risk posed by fake goods, particularly toys, remains.

"In essence, if a price seems too good to be true, then it usually is. I fully understand the desire to save money at this time of year but safety should always be the first priority."

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.