SHOPKEEPERS have been warned to abide by new laws after the seizure of 200 illegal fireworks.

The haul of rockets and air bombs was recovered in one morning from four shops in the Bank Top area of Blackburn.

The trading standards service, along with the fire service and police joined forces for the swoops.

Police said the items recovered were stock from last year which had been put back on sale.

The fireworks were confiscated and the shopkeepers given a verbal warning.

Rockets smaller than 40cms and airbombs have been banned under new laws.

MPs made the move after concerns that children were misusing the fireworks and putting themselves and others in danger.

PC Paul Meades said more surprise checks would be carried out in run up to Bonfire Night.

He added: "It was something the public asked us to check.

"The shopkeepers were a bit surprised but the reason we have gone around is because Trading Standards sent a letter to them warning about what was being made illegal.

"We weren't surprised there were so many as with the new laws we thought people would have old stock.

"There were no prosecutions this time. We warned them and confiscated the fireworks."

"In the past, children were buying these fireworks and throwing them about. They can be very dangerous.

"Other shopkeepers should take note that they should not be selling these items."

Blackburn with Darwen Council's head of trading standards and advice services, Chris Allen, said: "These fireworks are now illegal under the latest legislation. Previously they were banned but only on a voluntary basis. However, it is now a criminal offence to sell them.

"We hope that the seizure of these banned fireworks will act as a deterrent to anyone else.

"The safety of our citizens is important, we will continue to work to make sure these illegal fireworks are not available ."