Trading standards officers in Middlesbrough have been trying to curb the illegal sale of spray paint to under-16s in an effort to stop graffiti in the town.

Retailers are being targeted by officers who will warn them that they risk prosecution if they are caught selling the canisters to underage children.

A survey of shops in the town revealed that nine out of 16 premises had unlawfully sold aerosols to a 13-year-old volunteer.

Middlesbrough Council plans to use laws introduced as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 to enforce the ban on the sale of aerosol paint to anyone under the age of 16.

Traders who illegally sold the spray paint during the survey will receive a letter and be advised about how to eradicate the problem.

Clean-up operations across the town cost the authority about £80,000 and executive member for public protection, Councillor Barry Coppinger, said the problem helped create social problems.

He said: "Graffiti often leads to a spiral of decline which blights communities, heightens the fear of crime and reduces residents' pride in their area.

"The council will use these new powers to prevent youngsters gaining easy access to spray paint which will consequently help protect our environment."