RED-FACED shoppers tried to buy the latest craze to sweep the US - microwaveable ice-cubes.

Curiosity got the better of some customers at the Asda supermarket, Newgate Centre, Bishop Auckland, as they rushed to the tills to buy the items at just one pence.

However, the product's name, of Prail Folo, was an anagram of April Fool and was a prank made up by the store's events coordinator, Helen Stott, and her colleague Amanda Fox.

Mrs Stott said: "We came up with the idea because everyone uses a microwave, and this is the sort of thing that a supermarket might stock.''

Four people fell for the trick and the first two through the checkout were presented with a box of chocolates for being good sports.

"It has been a really good fun event, even one of our check-out girls fell for it," said Mrs Stott.

"It goes to show people do have a good sense of humour."