SHOPKEEPERS in Kidderminster have been congratulated after an undercover operation failed to find any selling fireworks to children.

Young volunteers, accompanied by undercover Worcestershire County Council trading standards officers, attempted to buy fireworks in 12 shops around Kidderminster and Redditch on Tuesday last week.

In all visits, a sale was refused, with the traders either asking for a proof of age card or immediately refusing to serve the volunteer when they attempted to buy fireworks.

Rachel Hallam, enforcement officer, said: "These results are very pleasing and show that retailers are taking their responsibilities seriously and refusing to sell fireworks to children.

"Fireworks can only be sold to persons over 18 and shopkeepers who break the law on underage sales of fireworks effectively increase the risks of firework-related injuries, damage to property and anti-social behaviour."

The maximum penalty for selling fireworks to youngsters is a fine of £5,000 and six months imprisonment for each offence.

If anyone has concerns about the sale of fireworks they should call Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or e-mail fireworks@worcestershire.gov.uk