A CHRISTMAS online toy safety campaign has been launched by the Office for Product Safety and Standards working in partnership with Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Child Accident Prevention Trust, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and the British Toy & Hobby Association with advice including.

Buy toys from a reputable retailer.

Check that there is a name and address for the manufacturer on the site, and if this information is not available do not buy the toy. Read ratings and reviews to make sure the retailer has a good reputation.

Always read the warnings and instructions.

Heed the age restrictions: toys must be marked with age restrictions based on risks such as choking hazards.

Check that the toy is suitable for the intended recipient.

Festive novelties can look like toys when they should be kept away from children. If a child has special needs, they may be more vulnerable to certain toys.