shopkeepers are being told the writing is on the wall if they sell aerosol paint sprays to children.

A law has been introduced to try to stop paint sprays being sold to young vandals.

Retailers found to have sold aerosol paint sprays to children under 16 can now be fined up to £2,500.

Trading standards officials in Hartlepool are to carry out checks to ensure the regulations are being followed.

They will be carrying out sting type operations, sending youngsters into shops to ask to buy spray cans. The council is also calling on residents to report those flouting the new law.

Michael Welsh, Hartlepool Council's principal trading standards officer, said: "Graffiti sprayed on walls and other parts of buildings ruins the appearance of an area, and costs time and money to remove it.

"To make sure retailers are complying with the new regulations, we will be carrying out spotchecks across the town using our own under 16 volunteers who will be trying to buy aerosol paint sprays from shops and other outlets.''

If anyone has any information about traders selling aerosol paint sprays to children, or wants information about the new rules they are invited to call the council's trading standards team on (01429) 523362.