A market trader faces up to 10 years' jail after officers swooped on a Gillingham stall selling fake toys that could be dangerous to children.

Eighty counterfeits - including games from children's favourites such as Ben 10 and Toy Story 3 - have been sent for testing amid warnings they could be unsafe.

The trader who sold them at Gillingham Market, in the High Street, could face an unlimited fine or up 10 years in prison. A legal case is being prepared by Medway Council.

Trading standards officials made the find during a routine check and are working to track down who made the fakes.

The toys do not carry a safety guarantee or import details and officers warned they could be dangerous to children.

Anyone who might have purchased the toys has been advised not to give them to youngsters.

Cllr Mike O'Brien (Con), cabinet member for community safety, said: "The discovery of these fakes highlights the dangers of buying a supposed bargain.

"As well as not being the genuine item they could also be dangerous because they may not meet the essential safety standards."

Toys have to meet strict safety standards and be labelled with a "CE" mark.

They should also show the manufacturer's or importer's name and address, which enables trading standards officers to check they have been properly tested.

Experts say fakes cost the UK economy £9 billion a year and 60% of those who produce or sell counterfeit goods do so alongside other organised crime.

Under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988 it is an offence to make, have in possession for supply or supply counterfeit goods.

Trading standards officers have been involved in several high-profile cases in Medway, including one of a Medway shop owner who sold chewing tobacco without any health warnings in March.

They also warned would-be male escorts last year after it was found a bogus agency was taking their money without giving them any clients.

If you have bought a suspect toy, phone Trading Standards on 08454 040506.