TRADERS are being congratulated by trading standards officers after refusing to sell fireworks and cigarettes to youngsters.

Two 12-year-old volunteers visited 21 shops during a two-day period in South Bank, Normanby, Eston, Guisborough and Saltburn - and all 21 refused to hand over fireworks.

Howard Turton, principal trading standards officer with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said that in the majority of cases, the volunteers were told they were too young or were refused after they were asked to produce proof of age cards.

Mr Turton said: "These results are encouraging and we will be sending each of the traders a congratulatory letter."