Although medics can usually get them out, there is a real risk children could choke on them, the Journal of Laryngology and Otology reports.

The tiny colourful rubber bands, which can be woven to make bracelets, are one of this year's most popular toys. Emergency doctors reported four cases at one hospital in a week.

It's not necessarily dangerous if they are stuck up the nose, but when objects are small enough they can go backwards and be inhaled or choked on” 

The team at the Monklands hospital, in Scotland, urged parents to keep a careful eye on young children playing with loom bands. They said an inhaled loom band or clip could prove fatal. (BBC)