Unsafe sunglasses among fake goods seized at fair

Counterfeit goods worth £38,000, including sunglasses which could pose a "serious risk of eye damage", have been seized at Appleby Horse Fair.

Fake Chanel, Ray Ban, Celine, Prada and Cartier shades were found at the Cumbrian fair's market fields.

Trading Standards officers from Westmorland and Furness Council said they worked with Cumbria Police and the Anti-Counterfeiting Group to target products that could be dangerous to consumers.

"Counterfeit sunglasses offer no ultra-violet protection, leaving the wearer at serious risk of eye damage," Trading Standards manager Catherine Hornby said.

She said last year the council's department seized more than £500,000 of counterfeit goods, however officers were "not complacent" and would continue to work to identify unsafe products.

"That the figure is lower this year suggests that the strong, zero-tolerance message that we sent out was heard and understood by the majority of traders on the market fields," she added.

Appleby Horse Fair is an annual gathering of people from the Gypsy and traveller community, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors.

Cumbria Police said 1,307 caravans were counted at this year's fair, including dozens of traditional bowtops.

The week-long event officially ends on Wednesday.

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