THIS week, after the long summer break, the school holidays are finally over.

Most parents will have had to spend a lot of money on items for the new term - uniforms, sportswear and other school kit. Hopefully none of the items purchased will be faulty, but what do you do if things go wrong?

When you shop for school kit you have rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. This says that goods should be of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose for which they were originally intended, be as described (by packaging, label advertisement or otherwise), and correspond with any sample you have been shown.

If the goods you buy don't conform with the Act then, if you act quickly, you will be entitled to your money back. However, your rights diminish with time, so a delay in discovering or reporting any faults might mean that you are only entitled to compensation or a repair. If something is faulty you should go back to the retailer to sort it out, and, if you need further help, contact York Trading Standards Consumer Advice.

The following points are worth remembering:

- Prices - shop around whenever you buy anything, as the same goods are likely to be on sale in different shops for different prices. Consumer law only protects you if goods are faulty or misdescribed, so a shop is not obliged to give you your money back on items just because you have seen them cheaper elsewhere.

- Quality - although goods must be of satisfactory quality, in general, an item costing £25 is not going to be of the same quality, or as hard-wearing, as one costing almost double the price.

- Sizing - few children relish trying on their school uniform until they have to wear it for school. If that's the case with your children or they have grown since you bought the clothes, you have no legal right to a refund. However, most retailers will help by offering an exchange or a credit note. Some retailers will give refunds, but they do not have to.

- Labels - school clothes generally receive a good deal of punishment. If the labels say "dry clean only" that is what they mean, and if you wash the clothes and they shrink you will have no comeback against the retailer. If the label says the clothes are able to be washed then you should be able to wash them without the risk of shrinkage or fading. Remember though, that many fabrics cannot withstand high temperatures. A label which states a 30 degree wash indicates a wash which is barely hand hot and washing above this temperature may damage the fabric or make colours run.

If you have any problems with anything you have bought, or any other consumer problems, York Trading Standards can offer advice and assistance. Telephone 01904 551562 or call in at 9 St Leonard's Place. You can also fax the department on 01904 551590 or email to trading.standards@york.gov.uk.