UNDERCOVER stings by Trading Standards failed to catch out any traders in the Colchester and Tendring districts.

It is against the law to sell fireworks to people under the age of 18.

Those who do not ask to see some form of ID and sell fireworks to children may be prosecuted. The maximum penalty for underage firework sales is a £5000 fine, six months imprisonment, or both.

Officers from Essex County Council's Trading Standards department have been carrying out test purchases using underage children.

All week they have been visiting shops across Essex, targeting Colchester and Tendring traders on Wednesday.

So far, only one premises has failed the test. A shop in Great Dunmow sold sparklers to a 16-year-old.

Any shop that is selling fireworks must clearly display a sign that informs consumers that the minimum age for buying fireworks is 18.

Retailers must hold a valid licence to store fireworks, and can only sell them at certain times during the year, which includes New Year and religious festivals. The current window for the sale of fireworks opened on October 15 and closes on November 10.