ROGUE ice cream sellers are setting up in the seaside towns of the East Riding, and holidaymakers are being warned of the dangers.

Staff from East Riding of Yorkshire Council have had reports of unlicensed ice cream vans operating in Hornsea, Bridlington, Hessle, Beverley and surrounding villages. Vans need a licence to trade in the East Riding and a number of conditions are attached.

Cllr Shaun Horton said: "Not only are they taking trade away from legitimate businesses they could also be posing a potential health risk to the public as they may not have the correct food registration in place or have had the relevant food safety checks.

"They could also pose a safety risk as, unlike our licensed traders, their backgrounds are not checked by the council."

Legitimate traders will have pink and white plate on the van and a licence on display. Only those who trading at fetes, festivals or markets are exempt.

Unlicensed operators can face fines of up to £1000 if prosecuted.