Travellers told to stay clear of exotic souvenirs

Holidaymakers are being warned against bringing home exotic souvenirs from their travels.

Customs officials in Northern Ireland are looking to educate holidaymakers as to the unlikely items that should not be brought in to the country.

A large collection of illegal souvenirs is being put on display at Belfast's Holiday World exhibition at King's Hall over the weekend.

They include a bear's head, snake skins, ivory jewellery and a turtle shell.

"We want to ensure that holidaymakers do not waste their money on souvenirs that may be taken off them when they get back home, so think before you buy," said Maggie Eyden, the HMRC's head of detection in Northern Ireland.

She added that even seemingly innocent souvenirs, such as excess alcohol on journeys commencing outside of the EU, might leave travellers disappointed at the end of their holiday.

A detailed guide as to what and what cannot be brought back on trips is provided at the exhibition.