Parents are being advised not to give over the counter cough and cold medicines to children under the age of six.

The advice comes in new guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which says there is no evidence they work and they can cause side effects, such as allergic reactions, and effect sleep.

The medicines will continue to be available for children aged six to twelve, but will only be sold in pharmacies with clearer advice on the packaging and from the pharmacist.

Secretary of the local branch of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society Charles Flynn says while the level of risk is low, the advice is based on the most recent research.

Also, for many years, he has believed simple remedies are often the best: