Hundreds of illegal toys seized at Matlock Bath Illuminations

Hundreds of toys were being sold illegally at the popular Derbyshire event, however trading standards were ready to seize them

Trading standards officers have managed to seize hundreds of illegal small toys at the coveted Matlock Illuminations, after they were deemed as unsafe.

The Matlock illuminations boast that they attract over 100,000 people to the small village of Matlock over the eight week span that they are on. The event takes place annually, showcasing decorated boats that travel up and down the River Derwent.

However when trading standards visited the popular event they found there were multiple mobile sellers selling illegal toys, seizing 200 toys/novelties at last weekends event.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: "Our Trading Standards officers seized 200 unsafe toys/novelties being sold by mobile sellers at the weekend’s Matlock Bath illuminations. Be careful what you’re buying and always check for CE/UKCA marks to keep safe."

The trading standards were patrolling the 127-year-old illuminations which were first staged to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

The officers were seen patrolling the event in high visibility jackets throughout the weekend seizing bags of illegal toys that were being sold to customers that were unaware of their potential safety risks.