Warning To North East Parents Over Halloween Costume Safety

As thousands of shops across the region stock up on Halloween costumes, our region's firefighters are warning parents of the dangers.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is calling for legislation to make sure children's outfits are regulated.

They want to see all children's costumes made from fire resistant fabric to prevent burns.

The service showed us the difference it can make when two costumes, one regulated and one that isn't, are held against a candle.

TV presenter Claudia Winkleman's 8 year old daughter suffering serious burns last year after her outfit caught fire when she brushed past a candle.

At the minute many costumes are classed as toys - and even when they are said to be regulated it can be luck of the draw.

The fire service are launching a campaign to keep people safe over the three weeks around Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Dave Jefferson from the service told Metro Radio North East parents are taking a gamble when they buy them.

"The parent when they go into a shop, do not know really what they are buying. We would like to have one consistant standard, which would be the highest standard. But we would like to take it further, we would like to have ALL dress ups to a degree fire-proof so it doesn't burn at all."