A LARGE haul of counterfeit computer games and software has been seized during an operation at a computer fair.

More than 2,000 discs, along with a lap-top computer, were seized by officers from Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing service, working with Stockton police, at the event in Stockton on Saturday.

Many of the discs contained multiple games and the retail value was put at hundreds of thousands of pounds.

David Kitching, Stockton's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "Counterfeiting and piracy are still seen by come people as relatively harmless, small-time rogues selling a few cheap fake T-shirts or CDs.

"The truth is that it cheats consumers, retailers, manufacturers and the Exchequer, who all suffer as a result of this illegal activity.

"Officers will continue to visit fairs and car boot sales and will take action against anyone in possession of counterfeit products."

Councillor Martyn Ingram, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "We will endeavour to protect the interest of legitimate businesses in the area and ensure a fair trading environment for all concerned.

"Consumers may not realise it, but they are losing out on three levels through counterfeiting - they receive poor value for money, the guarantee of quality that buying a genuine branded product provides is missing, and if the article goes wrong there is no avenue for complaint.

"Furthermore, by buying counterfeit products, consumers are helping to fund organised crime."

A man from Ferryhill, County Durham, will face questioning regarding trademarks and copyright offences at a later date.