POLICE will use children to catch rogue shopkeepers who sell fireworks to minors in the weeks up to Bonfire Night.

Trading standards officers will also take part in the campaign to check that new laws, which came into force last week, are being kept.

The minimum age for buying fireworks is now 18, and retailers who break the law face prosecution and heavy fines. Some powerful bangers have also been banned for sale to the general public.

"The public expect to be protected," said trading standards officer David Roderick.

"Every registered firework seller will receive a letter reminding them of the new age limit. The police are also visiting shops to make sure they're informed of the change."

He said shops would be secretly tested by under-18s trying to make test purchases.

He also warned that people should only buy fireworks from registered sellers.

"Reputable manufacturers supply direct to the registered retailers, and will not sell to unregistered premises.

"Therefore if anyone is selling from a suitcase in the street or a mobile shop, there is a chance the fireworks will be from a suspect source and could be dangerous."

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