A number of shops and market stalls in Somerset have been caught selling illegal blades to underage youngsters in an undercover operation by Trading Standards.

15 and 16 year olds sent in during random checks by the County Council's team were able to buy hunting and carving knives and even an axe in some places - though five traders did refuse to sell them anything.

Those which failed have just been given a warning ... but told they could face a fine of thousands of pounds or up to six months behind bars if they do so again.