Quarter of Swindon smokers 'buy illegal cigarettes'

About a quarter of smokers in Swindon have purchased illicit tobacco in the last 12 months, according to a survey.

The town's trading standards officers say that the sale of counterfeit or smuggled cigarettes is a serious problem.

They are particularly urging people not to buy counterfeit cigarettes because of the health risk.

Spokesman Phil Thomas said: "It may be half the price of legitimate products but you just don't know what's in it."

He added: "It's unregulated and untaxed and often made in very unhygienic conditions, so our advice to is not buy it."