IRRESPONSIBLE traders who sell drink, fireworks and spray paint to children are fuelling anti-social behaviour, claim consumer watchdogs.

Trading standards officers from Durham County Council have launched a tour of the county's shopping centres, to get across the message that traders who break age restrictions face prosecutions and that their actions help fuel trouble on the streets.

Phillip Holman, the authority's head of trading standards, said: "Retailers should always be on their guard when selling age-restricted products to young people and ensure that staff are trained to ask for proof of age.

"Any retailers found breaking the law face prosecution.

"We are also reminding traders to ensure they comply with their legal obligations and don't sell restricted products, such as fireworks and alcohol, to anyone under 18."

Councilor Don Ross, deputy leader of the county council, said: "Illegal sales and misuse of products such as fireworks, alcohol and spray paint can harm the individuals involved, while the anti-social behaviour often associated with them affects the whole community."