PARENTS are unwittingly putting their children at risk because they don't know how to use seatbelts, according to new research.

Researchers discovered that many parents were unaware that it is illegal for a child below the age of three to get into a car with only adult seatbelts.

In one North-East town, experts are offering free child car seat tests.

Darlington Borough Council is providing tests, as part of National Child Safety Week, at the Asda store.

Research shows that two out of three child car restraints - this includes child car seats, booster seats and infant carriers - are fitted incorrectly. A council spokesman said at least one seat at every test had been completely incompatible with the car it was fitted in.

The council is to run regular checks to press home the campaign. They will be every third Thursday of the month at Asda, and every first Thursday at Safeway, in Victoria Road.