Trading standards officers found a third of shopkeepers sold fireworks to youngsters during an undercover operation.

Officers from Brighton and Hove City Council carried out the tests in East Brighton with young people aged 13 to 16 who were able to buy fireworks from five out of 15 premises.

John Peerless, of trading standards, said the figures were disappointing.

He said: "Pranks with fireworks continue to be a major problem in East Brighton.

"This is a clear message to traders. Young people must provide suitable ID if they want to buy fireworks.

"Traders have to wake up to their responsibilities. If damage is done or people get hurt, they have to share the blame."

Meanwhile, West Sussex trading standards officers visited nine shops in the Worthing area in the run-up to November 5 and found six which allowed a 16-year-old boy to buy fireworks.

David Dewdney, the council's executive for community safety, said: "Those shopkeepers caught by our officers may now find themselves in court.

"Proof of age cards, such as CitizenCard and Connexions Card, are now freely available to youngsters and there is no excuse for any retailer not to demand to see proof of age before selling age-related products such as fireworks."

Last year, 1,017 firework-related injuries were recorded, with 59 per cent happening to children aged between 13 and 15.

Retailers can get more information about laws on the storage and sale of fireworks from the Department of Trade and Industry web site at: www.dti.gov.uk/homesafetynetwork/fw_intro.htm

Friday November 07, 2003