A WARNING has been issued to Christmas shoppers to help them avoid conmen.

Trading standards chiefs are asking people to keep an eye out for counterfeit goods.

In a three-month period this summer, in the North-west alone more than 100,000 fake items, with a street value of more than £1m, were seized during a series of operations.

Bury Council's principal trading standards officer, Angela Lomax, said: "In the run-up to Christmas, it is not unusual to see a large increase in the number of counterfeit items available. Consumers are advised to check the quality of items, in particular clothing, toys, perfume, CDs and PC games.

"Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is."

Anyone wanting to report possible counterfeit goods should call 0161 253 5566. All calls are confidential.