A FYLDE firm says that a yo-yo toy -- dubbed a 'danger to children' by government officials -- does conform to rigorous British safety standards.

Yo-Balls have now been banned throughout the UK by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after failing to stand up to the requirements of the 1995 Toys (Safety) Regulations.

The highly elastic, liquid-filled jelly balls which are attached to a looped strap have become the latest craze among schoolchildren over the last year.

But the ban follows reports that eight children have been almost been strangled by Yo-Balls -- which can be stretched to great lengths -- within the last month, prompting the DTI to conduct urgent risk tests on the toy.

Under-Secretary of State for Competition, Consumers and Markets, Melanie Johnson MP said: "It is clear this toy poses a very serous risk to children.

"In light of the findings of our safety tests, I am banning their supply.

"I do not want to spoil the fun that sensible use of the toy can bring, but on balance I cannot ignore children's safety.

"Parents whose children already own Yo-Balls should be made aware of the potential harm these toys can cause. They may want to consider whether this is an appropriate toy for their children."

Local toy firm, David Halsall International Ltd of Copse Road in Fleetwood, who distribute a type of Yo-Ball -- a Yo-Yo per cent Ball -- have now been slapped with a ban.

They -- along with five other suppliers -- have been issued with prohibition notice. But the firm claims that their Yo-Yo Splat Ball complied with both British and European safety standards, and say they withdrew the toy from sale as soon as they became aware of concerns.

A company spokeswoman said: "It has been brought to the attention of David Halsall that some children in the UK have reportedly hurt themselves while playing with a certain type of Yo-Yo.

"Halsall, amongst many others, distributed a version of this toy called Yo-Yo Splat Ball but discontinued the sale as soon as they became aware of trading standards concerns.

"The Yo-Yo Splat ball fully complied with all British and European safety standards."

A DTI spokesman said: "Claims by David Halsall that their type of Yo-Ball is safe are irrelevant.

"Our tests have proven that the toy is not fit for sale and clearly does not conform to British safety standards.

"We expect all suppliers to accept our findings."