A BAKERY firm is having to recall thousands of loaves after small strands of nylon were found in its bread.

Bolton-based Warburtons is appealing for people to return 12 brands which have hit the shelves in the past few days.

The loaves went on sale in parts of northern England and throughout Scotland.

A spokeswoman for the company said it was unable to say exactly how many products could contain the strands of blue nylon. Warburtons says only a small number of loaves are likely to contain the nylon. But the number of its brands affected means the figure is likely to run into thousands. The problem happened at a bakery in Bellshill, Glasgow, when a nylon flour sieve was damaged.

The loaves affected are identifiable by the two line product code which ends with a W on the top line and a 7 on the bottome line. For example -- xxxxW or xxxx7.

The affected batches also have a best before date of either February 6 or 7.

People are being offered a full refund.

The spokeswoman added: "The quality and integrity of our products and packaging are of extreme importance to us.

"We take matters of this nature extremely seriously and apologise for any inconvenience to our customers."

At the moment Warburtons has 11 bakeries around the country, serving customers from Inverness to Basingstoke. The Bolton bakery is at Hereford Street. Five generations have been involved in the family business since it was founded in Bolton in 1876 by Thomas Warburton.

Products with a best before date prior to or after February 6 and 7 are unaffected as are products carrying a product code other than W7.

People who have bought any of the products should dispose of the bread and send the wrapper to Customer Care, Warburtons Ltd, Hereford house, Hereford Street, Bolton, BL1 8HJ for a full refund.

The Warburtons' products affetced are: 400g and 800g white medium; 400g and 800g white toastie; 800g white super toastie; 800g good health white; 400g and 800g soft white farmhouse; 400g white Danish; 400g crusty white; 400g Weight Watchers from Heinz White Danish; 400g Weight Watchers from Heinz Malted Danish.

Any queries should be directed to 0800 243 684.