RESIDENTS across Scotland are being warned to avoid a fidget advent calendar which has toys manufactured with dangerous chemicals inside.

Officers in local authorities, including North Lanarkshire Council, discovered that the toys inside have high levels of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), which is used for softening plastic.

The chemicals are said to carry health risks to children, including possible damage to their reproductive systems.

Glasgow Times:

Parents are being advised to avoid the product, which does not carry the name of the manufacturer or importers' details.

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West Dunbartonshire Council has since warned local residents about the item on their social media account.

Glasgow Times:

They wrote: "If a purchase has already been made, do not open or allow children to play with the toys.

"If you have bought this item or seen it for sale in West Dunbartonshire, please let us know by contacting trading.standards@west-dunbarton.gov.uk."