AS famous celebrities have helped speed along the latest hoverboard craze, with many people already buying them as Christmas presents for their children or, indeed, themselves, the question has been raised: "Where can you legally ride them?"

The trend has been quickened following pictures of high profile celebrities such as David and Victoria Beckham's son, Brooklyn, The Only Way is Essex star Lauren Goodger, and The Saturdays singer Rochelle Homes, among many others, being seen on the self-balancing scooters.

However, before paying out for this season's 'must have', it has to be noted that the Crown Prosecution Service has deemed them illegal to be ridden in public places.

For instance, it is illegal to ride them on the pavement under section 72 of the Highway Act 1835, and they are also banned from the roads because they do not meet the requirements of road-legal vehicles in the UK.

The guidance, which comes from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Department for Transport, states they should only be used on private land.

A spokesman for Warwickshire and West Mercia Police said: "If you have purchased one for Christmas, or your children already have one, please just make sure they do not go on the roads or pavements. Not only can it be dangerous but it also illegal.

"We don't want to dampen anyone's Christmas spirit and by all means they can play on them in the garden or house but please make sure your children know where they can and can't use them."