Children are being recruited in the battle to snuff out illegal firework sales in Keighley.

Around a dozen youngsters are being used to carry out test purchases at shops.

The move -- launched tomorrow -- is part of a major campaign by trading standards officers to crack down on rogue retailers across the region.

And the public is being urged to shop any traders -- by phoning 0113 3848848 -- it suspects are flouting the law.

It is illegal to sell fireworks, including sparklers, to anyone under 18.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service said it would work closely with other authorities to stamp out unlawful sales and where appropriate prosecute. Retailers failing to comply with legislation face a £5,000 fine and/or a prison sentence of up to six months.

Enforcement officer Patricia Harter said: "We have been receiving complaints since the beginning of last month about the sale of fireworks to children and other firework-related issues, such as noise nuisance. These complaints will be fully investigated.

"We have a team of about 12 young people to carry out test purchasing and that operation will run from this weekend right up to November 5.

"We do not try to trick shopkeepers, that is not the idea. The children all look well under 18, they are carefully briefed about what they can and cannot do and our officers are in close proximity.

"Working closely with the police, fire service and neighbourhood groups, we aim to identify and target problem areas.

"If any members of the public have concerns or suspicious about illegal firework sales -- whether it's selling to children, or from car boot sales, or the back of lorries -- we would like to hear from them."

The number of people nationally injured by fireworks almost doubled last year, with the biggest increase occurring in the 11-17 age group.

Martin Wood, chief officer of West Yorkshire Joint Services, which oversees trading standards, said: "All fireworks must comply with British Standard 7114 and be safe.

"It is illegal for anyone under 18 to be sold fireworks and that includes sparklers.

It is also illegal to break open packs of fireworks and sell them individually.

"Last year we successfully prosecuted a number of offenders, which resulted in heavy fines being imposed. This year will be no exception."

l Denholme town councillors are calling for tougher restrictions on the sale of fireworks after residents complained about young people misusing them over the weekend.

Councillor Maxine Brotherton said: "There were a lot of complaints from people on Monday morning about fireworks going off and being put through people's letterboxes.

Town Mayor Councillor Anne Jay said: "I'm not aware of anywhere selling fireworks in Denholme -- they must have been bought elsewhere. It's really about catching those people who are selling fireworks to children."

Cllr Brotherton asked if the town council could follow in the footsteps of Ilkley Parish Council and introduce a by-law restricting the sale of fireworks.