An investigation carried out by trading standards officers in Northamptonshire has discovered a number of shops selling items of children''s clothing which have been banned since 1976. The garments all have dangerous and illegal pull-through cords on their hoods which could strangle children as they play.

Twenty-three items were found in seven different locations, including market stalls, department stores and children''s boutiques. One of the items was for a child under six months old.

According to James Ashton, Northamptonshire county council cabinet member for trading standards: "There has been a ban on the sale of hoods like these since 1976. It follows incidents where young children were strangled after hood cords became caught on things like park slides and climbing frames.

"This is the only country in Europe where regulations are in force. Most of the garments found came from France or Holland, where they are not considered illegal.  "But it''s important that parents and carers here are made aware how dangerous they are. Hood cords should always be firmly stitched down."