THE sale of replica guns and fireworks could be banned at a North-East outdoor market after council bosses drew up new regulations.

The fresh set of rules has been produced by Darlington Borough Council and will be discussed by the authority's cabinet tonight.

The debate comes days after a reporter from The Northern Echo was able to buy a pellet gun, similar in appearance to an AR-M4SF assault rifle, for £20 at a market in Stanley, County Durham.

Such items are available to anyone over the age of 18, or children with their parents, and police are appealing for people not to buy them.

The warning followed the court case of Dane Johnson, 18, and Paul Curson, 31, who were arrested by armed police after they were seen with replica firearms in Sleepy Valley, Stanley, County Durham.

They had earlier bought an imitation Galil Assault Rifle and Heckler and Koch MP5 for £15 each at Stanley market. The men, from Stanley, were each fined £75 with £50 costs.

At tonight's meeting, councillors are being asked to approve regulations that will include a ban on the sale of ornamental weapons, replica guns, fireworks, or anything else that officers consider to be a risk to public safety.

The new controls would include a section on the behaviour of traders and employees, and allow the council's market officer to remove people causing a nuisance.

Other restrictions could include a ban on traders encouraging people to congregate around stalls, causing an obstruction, or using loud music to attract shoppers.

The regulations would also require anyone manoeuvring a vehicle around the market to have insurance and driver qualifications, even if they are not driving on the road.