With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, Hampshire County Council is urging people to "play it safe".

In a bid to avoid accidents, the council has issued guidance for parents and carers of young children, which includes checking the safety labels on costumes and securing button battery compartments.

The council's trading standards officers will also be inspecting shops across Hampshire to ensure fireworks are being stored and sold correctly.

Other advice includes using battery-operated tealights or glow sticks in pumpkins rather than candles, and ensuring sweets are appropriate for young children and don't pose a choking hazard.

The council also advised buying Halloween outfits from well-known and trusted retailers.

For fireworks, the council's advice is to only buy from reputable retailers and to follow the Firework Code. Fireworks should be stored securely in their original packaging and kept away from anyone under 18.

READ MORE: Popular country park set to host range of Halloween activities

The county council’s trading standards team will be inspecting premises that store and sell fireworks to ensure compliance with UK safety standards.

The council's scientific service conducts hundreds of tests on toys and other products each year to identify counterfeit and dangerous goods.

Issues have included items that could cause choking.

If you have a problem with a product, you can report it to trading standards through Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or via their consumer helpline online.

For more information on Hampshire County Council’s trading standards, visit hants.gov.uk/business/tradingstandards/consumeradvice.

As Halloween and Bonfire Night approach, Hampshire County Council is urging people to "play it safe."

In a bid to avoid accidents, the council has issued guidance for parents and carers of young children, which includes checking the safety labels on costumes and securing button battery compartments.