Blanaid Canavan is aware of the dangers of trampolining

Trampolines of up to 14 feet in diameter seem to be the new garden accessory with shops reporting a surge in sales.

However, not everyone buys a safety net, which is an optional extra, but which can cost up to �200.

Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry has treated 20 patients, nearly all children, for trampoline injuries, so far, this month.

Nine of those people were treated for fractures to ankles, elbows or wrists.

Alan McKinney, from the accident and emergency department, said there had been "significant numbers" of people being treated for such injuries in Altnagelvin, as well as in hospitals in Belfast, Daisy Hill in Newry and on the north coast.

"The most serious injuries, as you could imagine, would be head injuries," he said.

"We have had one or two kids with head injuries from bouncing off head-first and into something.

"Theoretically, I suppose spinal injuries are also a possibility with small children bouncing off trampolines.

"Principally, it will be limb injuries - the fractures of arms and legs."

Alan McKinney said injuries to limb were common

Trampolines can cost between �100 and �450, whilst safety nets range from �162 to �198.

Caroline Lynch from the Toytown store in Derry said trampolines were extremely popular at the moment.

"75% of our customers who come into purchase trampolines have bought both the surround, which is the safety net, and the trampoline," she said.

"There are a few customers who have purchased a trampoline on its own - although we would encourage them to buy both."

Blanaid Canavan, 11, who has had a trampoline for two years, said she was well aware of the dangers.

"My cousin fell off it, but she only got cuts and bruises," she said. "Some people have broken their arms and legs, which is very serious, so I try to be careful. But I like to have fun on it," she said.

Blanaid's mother Peggy said that although there was no safety net she always encouraged her children to be sensible.

"I did have a few concerns, especially in the beginning," she said.

"I had concerns that somebody might come off with a broken neck, arm or something.

Broken limbs

"I would have constantly monitored them on it and told them about the dangers, but at the same time I would tell them to have lots of fun."

Last week, a doctor at Daisy Hill Hospital warned parents of an "epidemic" of broken limbs due to the new craze.

Michael McCann, an accident and emergency consultant, said his department was treating three or four children a week for trampoline injuries.

It is understood the recent upsurge in trampoline injuries is being studied at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.

A doctor in the fractures clinic is currently carrying out an audit into trampoline injuries.