Shops rapped over under-age sales

Five shops in Derby could face prosecution after being caught selling goods illegally to children.

City council trading standards officers and teenage volunteers visited 26 retailers in the city.

They attempted to purchase alcohol, cigarettes, knives and lighter refills, all of which should only be supplied to people aged 18 and over.

Action will now be considered against five shops where alcohol, cigarettes or a knife was purchased.

Councillor Robert Troup, from Housing and Public Protection, said: "It is disappointing to see so many sales, especially as three of the five premises had also received an advisory visit from Trading Standards within the previous 12 months.

"All of these products are capable of causing tremendous harm to the lives of young people which is why the legislation is in place to protect them."