SHOPPERS in Ramsbottom are warned not to get conned by people selling counterfeit goods.

Trading Standards chiefs in Bury have taken steps to advise residents about how to spot fake gear.

A series of operations have taken place throughout the North West, resulting in the seizure of more than 100,000 fake items, with a street value in excess of £1 million.

Despite the seizure, the Trading Standards North West Intellectual Property Focus Group, made up of representatives of the 22 Council Trading Standards authorities in the region, believe that the New Year could still be a bumper time for counterfeiters.

Angela Lomax, Bury Metro's principal trading standards officer, 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.

"Products will not be of the same quality and may leave you feeling dissatisfied with no way of getting your money back. Sometimes the goods can be dangerous and consumers should this year look out for counterfeit vodka and Johnny Walker whisky.

"This type of trading is not fair on genuine retailers and consumers can be easily duped."

Anyone wishing to report possible counterfeit goods can do so by calling Bury Metro's Trading Standards on 0161 253 5566.