Kids are being recruited to help catch out dodgy shops selling knives and alcohol to minors.

Croydon Council's trading standards team are on the hunt for volunteers, aged between 14 and 16, that would act as test purchasers to see if businesses are following the law.

The role of the children would be to, "under strictly controlled conditions," attempt to buy knives, alcohol, fireworks or cigarettes from shops around town.

Andy Opie, the council’s director of safety, said this type of operation has helped catch out shops in the past.

“We’ve been running successful test-purchasing exercises for many years, resulting in a number of significant prosecutions of traders who have openly flouted laws designed to protect the public," he said.

“The young people who have previously volunteered have found the experience interesting and rewarding.

"The scheme is unpaid but will lead to a certificate that participants can use as a record of achievement.

“The nature of the activity will also help with improving a volunteer’s confidence and give them valuable experience in an operational environment.”

Before a youngster can sign up, trading standards officers will meet with parents and explain the process in detail, and it is necessary to get the written consent of a parent before every test purchase operation; without that consent a volunteer cannot be used.

If you are interested in volunteering you should email trading.standards@croydon.gov.uk