HALLOWEEN can be great fun for children but the tradition brings hidden dangers and it is right that a safety campaign has been launched to protect them.

The BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman was devastated when her daughter Matilda suffered burns to most of her body when she was eight.

Now the Strictly presenter has joined forces with Oxfordshire trading standards department, and former firefighter and mum-of-two Drew Kamphuis, to raise awareness that costumes worn by youngsters trick or treating can be flammable.

It is clear that the costumes made of nylon quickly melt, turning into drops of molten plastic, so the advice that torches should replace candles for celebrations around this time of year must be well heeded.

The Oxford Mail monitored tests conducted by firefighters at Rewley Road in Oxford and one Halloween costume, which has since been withdrawn from sale, failed the flammability test. This withdrawal should help to ensure there are no further horrific accidents, but.

Following the advice of Ms Winkleman, trading standards and Mrs Kamphuis, should help to rule out further mishaps.