CONSUMERS are being reminded of their rights by the council's trading standards department.

The department advises that they are legally entitled to goods of a satisfactory quality, free from defects.

If, when opened, goods are faulty or misdescribed, the buyer has rights against the seller.

If the item is returned within a reasonable time and with a proof of purchase, ideally the receipt, the buyer is entitled to their money back. They can choose to have a replacement or repair instead, but the shop cannot force them.

If it is left too late to complain, the buyer may still be entitled to a replacement or repair.

It is only the person who bought the gift who has the right to return it.

Although many stores will overlook this, a shop does have the right to refuse to deal with someone who did not buy the item themselves.