The discovery of thousands of fake Diana teddy bears in York shows the scale of the industry built around the late Princess.

Trading standards officials estimate the haul is worth an astonishing £300,000.

Their good work has prevented the Princess Diana Memorial Fund from being swindled out of thousands of pounds.

If these goods had reached the open market, many people would have been conned into parting with their cash in the belief that they were helping the charity. No doubt other confidence tricksters are still trying to cash in on the memory of Diana.

Anyone wanting to buy the official merchandise should check it with care to ensure the causes close to the Princess's heart will benefit from the sale.

see NEWS 'Bear-faced lies'

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