PARENTS are being warned that their children could get hold of videos containing sex and violence this Christmas.

Trading standards officers have found that 45 per cent of traders were prepared to sell 18 certificate videos to children as young as 13.

The test purchase scheme was carried out by the Northern Trading Standards Group, whose members include Durham, North Yorkshire and Northumberland county councils.

In County Durham, two retailers out of 16 visited sold 18 certificate videos to a young volunteer.

Phillip Holman, Durham County Council's head of consumer services, said: "Although only two sales were made here, when viewed across the whole region, the results of the survey are of some concern.

"Retailers are being negligent by not ensuring that children are prevented from purchasing 18 certificate videos, which can contain graphic scenes of sex and violence.

"I am sure that the vast majority of parents would be extremely concerned if they realised this type of material was accessible to their children."

Council cabinet member Don Ross said: "Society has a duty to ensure that children are protected, and retailers should exercise vigilance to ensure that they, or their staff, do not sell these videos to young children."

Traders who break the law on video sales to youngsters can be prosecuted, and face fines of up to £5,000