Sainsbury's and Argos have issued an urgent recall for hundreds of toys that pose a 'serious' choking hazard after being sold at their stores.

The Jungle Heads & Tails game, which contains animal-themed card pieces, was withdrawn hours before Christmas day - even as it could be wrapped up beneath trees around the country.

A small cardboard disk that should have been removed remains in place on some of the sets, creating a risk that children could breathe it in.

The game is recommended for children from the age of 18 months and upwards.

Jungle Heads & Tails is manufactured in China by Orchard Toys, and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said the company had been informed.

It is offering refunds or replacements through its website.

The OPSS said: 'The product presents a serious risk of choking as the elephant has a cardboard disc which should have been removed from the nose as part of the manufacturing process. 

'This disc is a small part.

'Small parts pose a choking hazard to young children, particularly those under 36 months of age who have a natural tendency to explore objects by placing them in their mouths.

'The product does not meet the requirements of the Toys Safety Regulations 2011.

'Consumers are advised to stop using the product immediately and keep it out of reach of small children.

'Return the product to the distributor or to Orchard Toys for redress.'

Not all products are affected - the recall only applies to those with a specific batch.

In its notice, Sainsbury's urged anyone who had bought affected toys from them to go to the manufacturer's website.

The retailer said: 'If you have purchased one of the above products with the affected batch code, please visit www.orchardtoys.com/jungleheadsnotice to arrange a replacement, credit voucher or refund.

'Customers should remove and retain the box flap detailing the batch code, and dispose of the product.

'Alternatively, customers can return the product to Sainsbury's for a full refund.'

Argos issued a similar recall notice. 

The batch code affected is labelled SP/001639/058/17.03.25.

Orchard Toys said no other Jungle Heads & Tails batches have been impacted, nor any of their other products.

They told affected customers: 'we will send you a claim pack to receive either a £20.00 voucher, with free delivery to use on www.orchardtoys.com or a credit refund of £9.50 (RRP of the game).

'If you have an affected product (as per the batch code above) please remove the box flap displaying the batch code, and dispose of the game.

'In order to process your claim we will require you to return the section of the box lid displaying the batch code (via freepost). 

'Please do not return the product to store/retailer.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Orchard Toys for comment.