TRADERS across Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach are being targeted as part of a clampdown by Trading Standards.

Over the next two months youngsters will make 'test' purchases at shops across the county on a number of items including fireworks, cigarettes, solvents, knives and Lottery tickets.

This type of campaign has been carried out by Trading Standards officers across Cheshire regularly over the last seven years.

This year the campaign ties in with the National Consumer Week of Illegal Sales to Children.

County Trading Standards Officer Neil Pardoe said: "Nationwide surveys have revealed that 250,000 youngsters illegally buy cigarettes each week. And there are worrying statistics about fireworks injuries and deaths from solvent abuse."

This campaign will run past November 5 as many fireworks will be sold for millennium parties.

Community development committee chairman Larry Toale said: "In the past two campaigns no cigarettes were sold to anyone under the age of 16.

"But in a separate exercise held jointly with Camelot three retailers sold scratchcards to teenagers who were younger than 16.

"We have worked closely with retailers who want to get it right. But it is important that from time-to-time we re-emphasise the importance of complying with the law."

Anyone who would like to report an offence or retailers who need advice can ring 01244 603714.

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