TRADERS are being warned to brush up on their law after some stores were caught selling goods to an under-age boy.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council carried out a borough-wide test purchase exercise on cigarettes and spray paint.

A 15-year-old schoolboy tested the retailers' knowledge of the law after being sent into 16 shops in the area. On five occasions he was able to purchase goods illegally.

The council's trading standards team was looking at whether staff would implement the regulations regarding spray paint, which should not be sold to under-16s, and cigarettes, which it is unlawful to sell to under-18s.

Coun Dave McLuckie, cabinet member for community protection, said he had no sympathy for the traders and promised tough action.

He said: "We would expect retailers to ask for proof of age and to have other precautions, such as till prompts, in place so that, when a child comes in trying to buy any age-restricted product like alcohol, cigarettes, glues or spray paints, staff are alert enough and confident enough to refuse the sale."

In seven visits to hardware and DIY stores at Skippers Lane, South Bank, and Guisborough, the 15-year-old was allowed to buy spray paint on three occasions. In nine visits to businesses in Saltburn and Guisborough, he was allowed to buy cigarettes on two occasions, from a newsagent and a garage.

Coun McLuckie added: "Spray paints like these are used by vandals to disfigure our communities and it is important that businesses do all they can to stop them getting into the wrong hands.

"We know if children get hooked on tobacco, they will probably smoke throughout their lives, and we are all aware of the health problems that can follow.

"Officers will be using our team of volunteers to try and buy these products throughout the year and I'd like to warn businesses that their next sale to a child could be the one that leads to a trip to court."

If any retailer would like advice on what the law requires of them and the precautions they can take to stay within it, they can call the Trading Standards Unit on 01287-612489.