THE public has been warned of the potentially fatal consequences of button batteries.

This comes after an 11-month-old from Cheshire got a battery the size of a 10p coin lodged in her throat.

She underwent a two-hour operation to remove it and is now on a liquid only diet.

A surgeon said her survival may be due to the battery being old and without charge.

A Cumbria Trading Standards spokesman said: "We rely on button batteries to power everyday objects like car key fobs, remote controllers and children’s toys.

"But did you know that they can badly injure or even kill a child if they are swallowed and get stuck in the throat?"

The public body released some tips for people to stay safe:

- Store spare batteries securely

- Know which toys and gadgets use button batteries

- Check your home

- Teach older children the dangers

- Get rid of dead button batteries immediately