PARENTS in Powys are being reminded to take extra care this Halloween if their child wants to dress up and join in the fun.

Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service are advising parents to ensure all costumes are kept away from naked flames and other sources of ignition and that they should exercise caution when buying costumes for their children.

Currently, children’s fancy dress costumes are classified as toys rather than clothes and are not covered by the same safety regulations. Parents are warned that the clothes should be treated as high risk, particularly around open flames.

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Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, said: “Celebrations around Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas can put children dressed in fancy dress costumes in close proximity of naked flames or fire. If the costume or face-mask has not been properly fire retarded then the consequences can be severe.

“Parents should check the labelling and CE marking and should make sure that their children avoid flames, particularly when they are wearing their fancy dress costume. They should also know what to do should anything happen.

"We want parents and children to have fun but to stay safe over the coming weeks."

Fancy dress costumes often have trailing adornments such as capes, wings and tassels which can catch fire if they come too close to a flame. Parents are urged to supervise their children at all times and keep them away from lanterns, candles and tea-lights in pumpkins.

Other points to look out for when buying a children’s fancy dress costume include:

• Check the label or packaging contains the manufacturers name, address, postcode or phone number and a registered trademark

• Check if the product has been recalled by visiting www.tradingstandards.uk

• Ensure the product is accompanied by instructions and safety information