sweetkitty by law you should take it back to the seller, and they should deal with the manufacturer. Your contract is with the company you bought it from, not who made it.
If you bought it online perhaps you have some other proof of purchase (an email perhaps?) Or the packaging it came in, showing their delivery label?
YOU DO NOT NEED A RECEIPT!
28 days is a red herring. You can take faulty things back at any time after they were bought (up to 5 or more years), as long as it is reasonable to do so.
The Governmanet consumer website www.consumerdirect.gov.uk says
"Your contract is with the trader and not the manufacturer and you should always go back to them to make a claim under the Sale of Goods Act. However if you have paid for goods using a credit agreement like a Hire Purchase Agreement then your rights are different and you should call Consumer Direct for further advice."
also
Goods should be "of ?Satisfactory quality? if they reach the standard a reasonable person would expect taking into account the price and any description."
"- The law says that goods that are of satisfactory quality are free from minor defects, have good appearance and finish and are durable, safe and fit for all the purposes for which such goods are commonly supplied."
"If your goods are not satisfactory you may be able to make a claim for up to 6 years in England and Wales and 5 years in Scotland after the purchase of your goods, for a refund, repair or replacement."
"If goods are faulty and you wish to claim a full refund you must return the goods to the seller within a reasonable period of time, this time period is not set out by the law as it will vary depending on what has been purchased and the circumstances of the sale. For instance you may buy a pair of shoes and wear them the next day, and realise they are faulty and return them within a week for a refund. Equally it might be reasonable to buy a pair of skis in a summer sale and not use them until winter and return them for a refund the following season when the fault is discovered. The best practice is to take action and report the problem and ask for a refund as soon as you discover the fault."
So go for it, take the stuff back you are in the right. (But take it to the seller, not ELC).
If I was you I'd print out this page from that website. If they argue, remind them it;s a government website, and they know the law, because they make it!