A FIREWORKS seller has been given the proverbial rocket after being caught storing them alongside cigarettes and lighter fuel in his shop.

Magistrates fined Forbuoys manager Mark Webster £800 after he pleaded guilty to four offences of storing fireworks in an unsafe and dangerous manner.

Consumer protection officers at Halton Council swooped on the premises in Grangeway on November 2 and confiscated some of the materials.

But despite warning Webster that he faced court if he didn't improve the site's safety, when they returned the next day they found fireworks still out of their protective cases among other combustible materials.

Halton Council said it had previously advised Webster and his employer about storing fireworks safely but had been ignored, putting the public's safety at risk.

"The sentence reflects his lack of care for his customers, staff and the wider community," a spokesman added.

To report a rogue trader or get consumer protection advice, call 0845-404 0506.