A NEW campaign by South Gloucestershire Council hopes to slash the number of knives sold to children.

A study by trading standards found a third of shops in South Gloucestershire sold knives to children under the age of 16.

Council trading standards officers and two 13 year old volunteers carried out test purchases on kitchen and craft knives with blades ranging from 6.5cm to 19cm.

Three out of nine businesses, all national retailers, illegally sold the knives to the youngsters.

Mark Pullin, trading standards manager, said: "We will continue to use test purchasing to assess whether businesses in the area are not breaking the law and will take action against individuals who neglect their responsibilities."

Those caught selling knives to underage children can be prosecuted under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996 and retailer can face up to six months imprisonment.

The law also applies to the selling of axes and other sharp or bladed objects that can be used a weapons.

Anyone wishing to report sales of underage products should contact South Gloucestershire Trading Standards on 01454 634001.

Traders in South Gloucestershire can also obtain advice on the law by phoning this number.