Scots families have been urged to stay safe this Halloween when choosing costumes and make-up for children.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, said people should be alert when buying outfits, especially for youngsters.

The charity highlighted fire hazards associated with loose, draping, and flowing clothing, which can be made from flammable materials.

Connor Forbes, director of policy with Advice Direct Scotland, said: “Halloween is a time of excitement for children and adults alike and getting our costumes ready is all part of the fun.

“However, we should be alert to the potential risks that the season can bring with loose, draping, and flower clothing coupled with fire hazards around every corner - and inside every pumpkin.”

He added: “It’s important to check that children’s costumes are safe before they go out guising, and the same applies for adults attending parties.

“There are some essential steps you can take to avoid danger, including ensuring costume materials are flame resistant and that face paints or make-up do not cause irritation.

“In 2014, the daughter of TV presenter Claudia Winkleman suffered burns when her Halloween costume caught fire.”

Advice Direct Scotland said shoppers should check costumes for safety instructions, a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) or CE (Conformité Européene) marking, and the manufacturer’s name.

The UKCA stamp serves as the post-Brexit equivalent of the CE, which remains valid.

Both markings assure that the products meet manufacturing health and safety standards.

Advice Direct Scotland have advised buying from reputable retailers when purchasing online, including checking online reviews and looking for product recalls by searching ‘product safety recalls’ on www.gov.uk.

The organisation also warned about using face paints and make-up that can irritate children’s skin and said people should do a patch test at least 48 hours in advance to check for allergies.