Retailers across Coventry refused to fall for the bait when underage children tried to buy fireworks from them in a sting operation by trading standards officers.

Sixteen shops were targeted by undercover kiddie cops, but every trader refused to sell the fireworks.

Last month two separate retailers were caught out in a similar operation designed to clamp down on the sale of cigarettes to underage youths.

Trading standards officers said they were delighted with the success of the measures. It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18.

Principal Trading Standards officer Manjit Dhaliwal said:

“Every we year we place special emphasis on visiting known retailers of fireworks within the city to remind them of their obligations under the Firework (Safety) Regulations 1997.

“This is a very time-consuming but worthwhile work and I’m pleased our efforts have paid off.

“We still want to hear from any parent who would be willing for their children to work alongside our officer to help ensure retailers continue to act within the law.”

Cllr John McNicholas, cabinet member (Environmental Services), said:

“Each year more children than adults are injured due to fireworks.

“I am pleased that the retailers we tested are taking their responsibilities seriously and are not selling fireworks to children.

“This is good news in itself but not something we will become complacent about – test purchasing is here to stay.”