SHOPKEEPERS in Buckinghamshire have been warned to be vigilant in stopping the sale of cigarettes and alcohol to children.

With the long school holidays now here, Buckinghamshire Trading Standards have reminded shops that underage youngsters will attempt to buy restricted goods, which now includes computer games with an 18 certificate. In a recent exercise carried out across Bucks, young volunteers working with Trading Standards staff were able to buy spray paints and knives from seven out of 27 shops visited.

Margaret Dewar, cabinet member for the Public Protection Service, said: "We are disappointed when any sales are made to our volunteers because in the county we have given considerable support and advice to traders to help them avoid making illegal sales. We have now issued over 28,000 free Bucks Proof of Age cards to all 16 to 18 year olds throughout the county; there is therefore no excuse for failing to ask young people to prove their age.

"There is no doubt that underage sales of age restricted goods such as alcohol, cigarettes and spray paint contribute to vandalism and antisocial behaviour which affects the whole community and traders must play their part in preventing children gaining access to these products."

For more information about underage sales contact Trading Standards on 01296 383212