Scientists say that festival wristbands should be snipped off after the party is over because they can cause boils.

Lab tests show the fabric entry bands, which keen festival goers keep on as badges of honour for years after the events, contain more than 10,000 bacterial cells - 20 times higher than normal clothing.

Thousands of staphylococci were present, which can cause, boils, food poisoning or infections.

Scientists say it would be advisable not to wear them if working in industries such as healthcare or food preparation, where there is a risk that the bacteria may spread to other people.