TRADING Standards and West Yorkshire Police have taken steps to prevent anti-social use of fireworks and illegal sales across the region.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards confirmed today that three retailers face prosecution following stings aimed at detecting sales of fireworks to under-18s. Test purchasers, aged 14, were able to buy fireworks from two Halifax retailers and a store in Harehills, Leeds.

The operation was conducted following complaints from the public and police that children were buying fireworks from the retailers concerned.

Despite warnings issued to retailers, officers saw one manager unlocking a storage cabinet for a child.

The sale of fireworks to under-18s is banned by law and offenders can face a £5,000 fine or six months in jail. It is also illegal for an under-18 to possess fireworks in public places.

Graham Hebblethwaite, West Yorkshire's chief trading standards officer, said: "I am concerned that three illegal sales have been made.

"It would appear that despite written warnings issued prior to the test purchase operation a small minority of traders are willing to put profit before their legal responsibilities and sell fireworks to children.

"Further test purchasing will be carried out and we will always prosecute in order to protect communities who endure the misuse of fireworks."

Clr Tony Brice, a Huddersfield councillor and member of the Trading Standards Committee, said: "The anti-social use of fireworks plagues many communities. I vigorously support all action taken to prevent any fireworks falling into the hands of children.

"I would urge residents to report any allegations of underage sales of fireworks, by contacting Consumer Direct Yorkshire and The Humber on 08454 040506."

Sgt Nicola Brown of Huddersfield Police gave a firework safety presentation in front of Rawthorpe Junior School.

Sgt Brown, from the Neighbourhood Policing Team for Dalton and Almondbury, has given other firework talks at schools in the area.

She talked about unpleasant incidents resulting from inappropriate uses of fireworks and also the implications of irresponsible and anti-social behaviour.

She said: "In the run up to bonfire night people are throwing fireworks. They're setting them off early and this causes distress to people and animals.

"People have been throwing fireworks at cars. They might think it's funny, but it could kill someone.

"We want to get some early messages across about the danger of fireworks and anti-social behaviour to younger and older children. They can be arrested.

"There's the health and safety side, but also we don't want them injuring anyone else. Such incidents could take up police time when we could be dealing with a serious matter.

"We talk about our experiences of nasty incidents and we point out the implications of their behaviour. Their parents may have to come down to the station when they're arrested.

"We don't just speak about fireworks. It's their behaviour out of school. We hope to build bridges between the police and the children. The pupils ask a lot of question. The teachers are very receptive.

"The message is to think about the implications of the things they do. We're also encouraging people to go to organised displays."