EVERY youth trying to buy cigarettes in Blackburn and Darwen will have to show an ID, following the launch of a new campaign.

The crackdown on under-age selling -- called "No ID No Sale" -- has been adopted by Blackburn with Darwen's Trading Standards department in a bid to tackle juvenile nuisance.

Most shopkeepers are law-abiding and make every effort to prevent sales to under-age youths, but traders often say that it is not always easy to know how old a child is when they come into their shops to buy cigarettes and tobacco.

Now, all the trader will need to do is to ask to see an age card or a driving licence to prove how old the youngsters are.

The campaign has been set up nationally, but Blackburn with Darwen is one of the first areas to adopt the scheme.

Local trader Mohammed Asghar, of Mars Mini Market, in Johnston Street, Blackburn, said: "I agree with this scheme and think it is a good idea.

"If these youngsters read about it, it will remind them that we are cracking down on asking for ID and they might not try and buy it as much. We do already ask for ID, but people can often look a lot older than they are and it is difficult to tell, especially the girls when they get their make-up on and do their hair. It is the shopkeepers who get the hassle when you don't want to serve them, so this backs us up.

"The people who are old enough to buy alcohol or cigarettes don't mind us asking for ID, it is those who aren't who kick up a fuss."

Alcohol and tobacco, as well as fireworks, lighter fuel, solvents and lottery tickets are age-restricted and carry fines of up to £5,000 if shopkeepers ignore them.

It is hoped the campaign will not only stop such illegal sales, but will also help to reduce the number of youngsters smoking and drinking alcohol, which could be dangerous for their health.

Chris Allen, head of Trading Standards for Blackburn with Darwen, said: "I think this is an excellent way forward. It should assist shopkeepers to meet their obligations when assessing those customers who come in asking for items such as alcohol and cigarettes.

"In some areas, shopkeepers are intimidated into selling, so this will, hopefully, give them a tangible scheme to refer to so that the youths know it isn't just us being awkward."

No ID No Sale has been developed by CitizenCard, an industry-funded national photo-ID scheme and is being supported by Emmerdale actress Deena Payne, who plays shopkeeper Viv Windsor.

Anyone who knows of shops who are illegally selling cigarettes to children or any traders who want to know more about the "No ID No Sale" campaign, should contact the Blackburn with Darwen local trading standards office on 01254 585904 or 0845 6001352 for the rest of East Lancashire.