Businesses looking to trade in euros are being warned to ensure they offer a fair exchange rate.

Oxfordshire County Council trading standards officers are concerned that growing numbers of tourists visiting the county will want to spend euros. As a result they are checking on shops and businesses to ensure they are complying with the law.

Principal trading standards officer Heather Hanaway said: "It's a legal requirement that if businesses want to accept euros, they should show prices in both currencies or display a conversion rate."

There is no standard conversion rate but companies are being urged to be fair.

Ms Hanaway added: "Business can set whatever conversion rate they want, but it should be competitive."

She said people should check their change when paying in euros as it was likely it would be given in sterling.

She said: "Smaller business should also ensure their tills are geared up to accepting the euro and able to convert back into sterling."