Worrying findings have emerged after child car seats were inspected in safety sessions in Central Beds.

For about three-quarters of the seats were found to be incorrectly fitted.

Central Beds Council's public protection and trading standards team ran the sessions, offering parents the chance to have their child car seats checked out.

Most of the seats needed just a minor adjustment or alteration.

But more serious problems included a broken seat, seats that were not suitable for the child concerned, seats fitted without using the manufacturer's instructions, and even a seat that was in use, but was not fitted into the car at all.

Councillor David McVicar, who has special responsibilities for safer and stronger communities, said: "I'm sure that parents attending our safety checking events would be horrified by our officers' findings.

"Anyone carrying a child in their car should always ensure that they travel safely. It is crucial that the child's car seat is fitted correctly and regularly checked."

For more advice on fitting and using car seats, check out the website for RoSPA (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), at www.childcarseats.org.uk