SHOPS selling cigarettes to children have been caught out in an undercover trading standards operation in the town.

And to coincide with National No Smoking Day, trading standards ceremonially destroyed the cigarettes outside the civic offices in Euclid Street.

Officers sent teenagers into 156 outlets selling cigarettes and while the majority asked for proof of age, 36 shops, which are not being named, sold cigarettes to under-age customers.

Trading standards team leader Phil Thomas said: "We were disappointed to discover such a high proportion of shops that sold cigarettes to people who were clearly under the age of 16.

"On this occasion we have just given them a warning, but traders should realise that they could face a hefty fine if they are found guilty of selling cigarettes to under-age people.

"Our message to traders is simple - if there is any doubt, ask for proof of age. We are promoting the use of proof of age cards which can be obtained from the civic office or libraries in the town. More than 10,000 young people in the town carry them."

Trading standards group leader Roger Taylour said: "Preventing young people from starting smoking at an early age is important and enforcing the age limit on buying cigarettes is part of that."