Shopkeepers in Norwich have been warned that watchdogs are sending youngsters into stores to test if fireworks are being sold to people who the law says are not old enough to buy them.

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards officers are using young people to see if stores are complying with the law that fireworks should not be sold to people under the age of 18.

Sales of fireworks to minors has been linked to an increase in anti-social behaviour in some areas of the UK and Trading Standards officers are keen to ensure that retailers recognise the responsible role they can play in their community by upholding the law regarding firework sales.

Ann Jackson, Norfolk County Council senior Trading Standards officer, said: 'We urge all retailers across the county who sell fireworks to challenge the age of the customer by asking for identification.

If appropriate identification cannot be produced then a retailer should refuse to sell the product.'

She warned a retailer selling to someone underage could face a fine of as much as �5,000 from the courts.

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards is also keen to recruit new volunteers between the age of 14 and 16 for test purchasing work.

Anyone interested should call 0344 8008020.