CONSUMER services officers are going undercover to root out illegal sales of fireworks.

Retailers are being warned that officers will be using child volunteers to make sure fireworks are not sold to under 18s.

Philip Holman, the county council's head of consumer services, said: "Each year we receive complaints about under age sales and, despite warnings, some retailers are still prepared to flout the law and sell to children under 18.

"Retailers risk being fined up to £5,000, jailed for six months or both if they break the law."

As well as the continued crackdown on under age sales, officers will visit shops to ensure they are registered, have adequate storage facilities and sell only fireworks that comply with the relevant safety standards.

Anyone who suspects a retailer of selling fireworks to children should contact the council's consumer services department on (0191) 383 3589.

Meanwhile, angry residents have enlisted the help of MP Alan Milburn to try to stop youngsters playing with fireworks.

Mr Milburn has written to police following complaints from residents about fireworks being let off near their homes.

His concerns were voiced as the Department of Trade and Industry launched its national firework safety campaign.

The campaign targets young people and children and makes it clear that it is an offence to let fireworks off in a public place with anyone caught facing a fine.

Following Mr Milburn's letter, Darlington Chief Supt Michael Banks said: "The police are concerned to maintain street safety in Darlington and people who break the law with fireworks will face the consequences."

To help young people in Darlington understand the dangers of fireworks, a series of school talks have been organised.

More than 6,500 youngsters from across Darlington are being visited in a bid to keep everyone safe this bonfire night. The children are able to ask the characters questions about firework safety and everyone is given a special child-friendly leaflet.

Coun Dorothy Long said: "The dangers of fireworks, especially to young children can not be stressed enough.

"With the help of these talks and by staging an organised fireworks display, we hope to reduce the numbers of people hurt in firework related accidents each year."

Police in Sedgefield are also warning people about dangers surrounding the misuse of fireworks.

And officers have been told to check that retailers are not selling fireworks to anyone under 18.

Sedgefield Town Council is staging its official fireworks and lantern display in the grounds of Ceddesfeld Hall this Saturday at 6.30pm. Admission will be £1 for adults and 50p for children who must be accompanied. Refreshments will be available.

Earlier in the day, a lantern making session for children aged from nine to 13 will be held in the Hall from 11.30am to 1pm

Places can be booked at the town council office. The session costs £2.50 and those taking part are required to take along a jam jar.

l Alan Milburn's View from Westminster: Page 1