TRADING standards officers in North Yorkshire have vowed to catch the counterfeiters.

The declaration comes after officers carrying out pre-Christmas inspections at markets in the county found a wide range of fake goods.

County council staff say counterfeit products are often poor quality and may not meet safety requirements.

Councillor John Fort, executive member for community services, said: "The sale of these products harms not only the legitimate trademark holders, but also those legitimate retailers who sell the goods that are being counterfeited by others.

"Undoubtedly, this trade also affects many small businesses throughout the county.

"We firstly appeal to shoppers not to buy goods which, by their price and nature are undoubtedly counterfeit.

"We would also ask members of the public to pass on any information that they may have concerning the sale of counterfeit goods to the trading standards service."

Information can be passed to North Yorkshire County Council trading standards by calling 08454 040506.