SHOPS in Lancashire have sold fireworks to children it was revealed in an undercover survey.

In an undercover exercise using volunteer shoppers aged 13-15 years, Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards department found that nine out of 46 shops trading in fireworks in the area were willing to sell to children.

Last year all the shops refused to sell to the test purchasers.

County Councillor Chris Cheetham, chairman of Lancashire's Finance and General Purposes Committee, said: "We are dismayed at these findings. In the past Lancashire retailers have shown a high level of knowledge and vigilance in refusing to sell to under 18s. "Last year national firework accidents increased by 20 per cent. And this year Trading Standards has already received 50 complaints about "nuisance" fireworks arising from sales to children.

"Shopkeepers must ensure they do not sell to under 18s.

"This exercise will continue up to Bonfire Night and, as all the 600 firework sellers in the county have been advised to be vigilant, we are very disappointed by this result.

"We are concerned about the safety and availability of more powerful fireworks and will be advising the Government on better controls to remove nuisance fireworks from our streets"

Sellers can face fines of up to £5,000 for selling fireworks to minors. Official November 5 events include:

Blackpool Pleasure Beach fireworks extravaganza explodes into life from 5.30pm with Rock FM, Speedway and Atomic Kitten. Fireworks lit at 7.30pm adjacent to Valhallah. Admission free.

Lytham Round Table's annual bonfire bash has this year been moved to Fylde Rugby Club from its usual location at Fairhaven Lake with gates open at 5.30pm and the display kicking off at 7.15pm. Food and a bar will be available with music, entertainment and kiddies rides. Admission is £2 for advance tickets from Tourist Information centres and £2.50 on the night.

Poulton Rotary Club celebrate their 16th annual firework display at Cottam Hall Playing Fields, Blackpool Old Road, Poulton, from 5.30pm. Food and sparklers will be on sale and Lionel Vinyl and The Wave DJ Gary Burgess will be joining in the fun. Admission is £2 adults and £1 children with a family ticket offer. Funds raised will go to local charities.

Safeway at Kirkham is holding a Bonfire Night fun afternoon. Children are invited to dress up as a firework or a Guy, and judging for the fancy dress will take place at 3pm.