Internet shopping is quick, convenient and doesn't leave you queuing for hours. So what are we scared of? MATTHEW WOODCOCK reports

IMAGINE a Christmas when young mothers aren't rugby-tackling each other to grab the last Buzz Lightyear in the toy shop.

Or when you don't have to queue for three hours to buy a tie for your dad that he will never wear.

Internet shopping solves these problems at the press of a button, but, according to research, we're not using the service as much as we should be.

So much so that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) today launched a Safe Internet Shopping campaign, to encourage more people to fill their children's stockings by going online.

Fronted by Birds Of A Feather TV favourite Linda Robson, it follows research showing that, although millions of people are using the Internet to shop, many people are being put off from buying online because they are worried about security.

Consumers are concerned that their credit card details will be used illegally, or personal details will be seen by people who might abuse them.

The research showed that 40 per cent of people were worried about this, but only two per cent of people who had shopped online had ever had any experience of fraud, so the fears were largely unfounded.

In response to this research, and working with businesses and consumer groups, the DTI launched the campaign to:

- Reassure people that it is safe and easy to shop over the Internet, providing they follow basic guidelines

- Provide simple-to-use hints and tips on using the Internet, including advice on what do if things go wrong.

- Remind people that the Internet is a great way to get hold of those last-minute Christmas presents.

There is no doubt that Internet fraud does exist. In a court case only last week the Evening Press reported that a York war medal collector was jailed for 15 months for committing a series of Internet crimes.

City of York Council trading standards manager Liz Levett advises that checking the reputation of the shopping sites is crucial. "Obviously we do get problems because a lot more people are shopping over the Internet," she said. "But the problems are by no means horrendous.

"We try and encourage people to only use reputable Internet sites run by companies in this country.

"Consumers are wary about giving their credit card details out over the net which is not a bad thing.

"But there's no reason not to use the service so long as the necessary checks are made."

The DTI campaign advises potential Internet shoppers to follow these simply guidelines:

- Use sites you know or are recommended

- Get the supplier's phone number/ postal address

- Keep copies of emails and order forms

- Check your cooling-off rights.

The law protects you against credit card fraud.

York teacher David Brown, 31, of Poppleton Road, Holgate, is keen to buy his Christmas presents online this year.

"I'm certainly not frightened to buy goods over the Net," he said.

" I'm so busy at work it is a very convenient service for me.

"Judging from how busy York city centre gets on Saturdays it's a much more inviting prospect."

David, who is marrying his fiance Sarah in the New Year, added: "I don't have to leave my bedroom to book the honeymoon!"

Consumers can log on to the DTI website which gives helpful advice on Internet shopping at www.consumer.gov.uk and a leaflet has been produced for shoppers, which will be available at libraries, Internet cafs, and citizens' advice bureaux.