Newsagents in Brentwood are backing a crackdown on solvent sales.

The reaction follows a warning issued by Essex Trading Standards to stop selling cigarette lighter refills to youngsters under 18, amid solvent abuse fears.

Offending shops have been told that they will face prosecution if they offend again.

Brentwood newsagents say they believe that the crackdown is a good idea.

Mangala Jhanjii from Smokers' Paradise, High Street, Brentwood, said: "Cigarette lighter refills should not be sold to young people. I would not sell them to a young person.''

Mrs Vallabhji from Smokers' World, High Street, Brentwood, said: "I always ask youngsters for ID and if they do not have it we do not sell to them, if we are in doubt about their age.

"Kids don't try it on because they know that we won't sell to them."

Jim Shade from Martin the Newsagent, Eastham Crescent, Brentwood, said:

"When children come into the shop we judge how old they are and if we think they are underage we don't sell to them.

"I wouldn't like kids to use cigarettes or cigarette lighter refills.

"Generally kids don't try to get away with it though, because they know me and they know the staff and we do not sell to underage kids."

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