A CHOKING hazard warning has been issued over sweet jars that were given out at a Christmas fair in Runcorn.

Norton Priory’s Christmas Fair took place yesterday, Sunday.

As part of the event, one of the independent stalls there provided jars containing a range of items, including sweets and chocolate, which were used as prizes as part of a tombola.

These items were in reused jam jars and since the fair, Norton Priory has been made aware that some of these jars could contain items which present a choking hazard – including bouncy balls.

A statement on Norton Priory’s Facebook page reads: “We have been made aware that some of the jars could contain items which present a choking hazard.

“The items we were initially made aware of are small toy balls, but we now understand only a small number of the jars contained the balls. Other jars contained inedible toy items such as slinkies, snap bands, bendy pencils and tree decorations.

“We consider safety to be a core priority at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, so if you believe you have one of these jars, please contact us as soon as possible. You are welcome to contact us during museum opening hours, or you can message us via our Facebook Messenger account.

“This has been an innocent mistake by the stall holder concerned and we want to do everything possible to ensure everyone's safety. The stall holder concerned has taken steps to prevent any future risk and is working with us to resolve this issue as safely as possible.

“Please do contact us directly if you have any queries relating to this matter. You can reach the museum during opening hours on 01928 569895.

“Thank you for your understanding.”