Sports fans in Kent are being warned not to fall foul of bogus tickets as they scramble for a seat at the Paralympic Games.

Brands Hatch will host the road cycling events next year, with thousands of people from the county expected to watch.

But with the remaining tickets for the Games going on sale next month, Kent Trading Standards says fraudsters will be looking to cash in by offering bogus tickets and fake merchandise.

Would-be spectators have been warned to buy only from official or reputable websites, to avoid offers which appear too good to be true and to keep receipts and order numbers.

People buying merchandise are urged to check for authentic branding and holograms to prove the item is genuine.

Cllr Mike Hill from Kent County Council said: "Unfortunately, big sporting events present perfect opportunities for criminals to target people who are keen to watch sport and buy merchandise. We'd encourage everyone to be on the look out for fakes."

The warning comes at the start of National Consumer Week, which this year features the theme 'Good Sports Don't Fake It'.

Tickets for the Paralympic Games, which will be held next year, can be bought online via the official London 2012 website from December 2.