AN investigation has revealed shops signed up to the award-winning Responsible Retailer Scheme in Weymouth are selling cigarettes to children with no questions asked.

Ten out of 20 shops visited by a 14-year-old boy as part of an undercover probe by Trading Standards sold him cigarettes without asking for proof of age.

All the shops visited are signed up to a scheme in which they agree to demand to see proof-of-age cards. The scheme - run as a partnership between a number of agencies, including the county council and police - aims to stop the illegal sale of cigarettes and alcohol to children.

The 14-year-old made visits to small shops, retail chains and supermarkets in Weymouth - ten of which sold him cigarettes with no questions asked.

Another seven shops refused to serve him and asked for proof of age. Three more asked his age - he told the truth, but Trading Standards officers are concerned he might have been served if he lied.

Bill Jaggs, the head of Trading Standards at Dorset County Council, said: "In recent years we have used under 14-year-olds to test the practices of retailers and no sales have been made.

"This year we decided to do a 'reality check' to see what would happen if a slightly older child was used. Our worst fears have been surpassed by the horrendous numbers of sales made."

Trading standards officers are warning the shops which sold cigarettes to the boy and say they plan more checks over the next few months. Responsible Retailer Scheme members have been told they risk prosecution and having awards withdrawn if they offend again. Shops in Weymouth selling cigarettes were visited just weeks ago by trading standards officers. Retailers were reminded of the 'no proof, no sale' policy.

Business leaders in Weymouth said they were shocked by the findings. Chamber of Commerce president Tony Harris said: "The results are disappointing and underline that businesses need to do more to prevent sales of age-restricted products.

"The provision of more proof of age cards to school pupils later this year will assist us. We must make sure they are carried by asking for proof of age whenever there is any doubt."

The Responsible Retailer Scheme won an award at the national Neighbourhood Watch conference held in Nottingham last month.