SHOPKEEPERS in St Helens have been praised for coming "up to scratch" on the laws about selling National Lottery scratch cards and cigarettes to children.

Under age boy and girl volunteers attempted to buy scratch cards and cigarettes in undercover surveys across the borough, but were refused by every trader.

The surveys, which included dozens of shops, were organised by St Helens Council Trading Standards Section and were carried out by children aged around 12 and 13 years.

Ken Wardale, chief trading standards officer, said: "Widespread publicity about selling restricted products to children has ensured traders are fully aware of their legal responsibilities and I congratulate them on their vigilance.

"While I am delighted that no illegal sales occurred, it would be naive to think they stopped completely. Our surveys will continue and any complaints will be investigated."

Councillor Richard Ward, chairman of the housing and environmental services committee, said: "I am pleased that these surveys are helping to reduce sales to children of all kinds of age-restricted products, including scratch cards and cigarettes.

"However, some children find ways of obtaining cigarettes from other sources, and parents can play a vital role in preventing the spread of under-age smoking."

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