A VET in Barnsley is warning about the dangers of the loom band craze, after surgeons had to operate on a dog that had swallowed several dozen of the tiny rubber bands.

Milo, a two-year-old springer spaniel owned by Liz Scrivin, of Oak Street, Grimethorpe, had the emergency surgery after tucking into a packet of the brightly coloured bands.

Tony Duffy, of Abbey Vets, said: "It is important to keep the rubber bands away from pets and, indeed, young children and to keep them in containers with a secure lid. Do not leave the bands or the finished products anywhere where pets can easily get hold of them."

** The full story appears in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated November 28. **