One in eight shops is continuing to sell cigarettes illegally to children who are under the age of 16.

Official figures show that the practice is happening in shops across England.

The government has called for tough action to be taken against any shopkeepers who sell tobacco to under 16s, including high profile prosecution and financial penalties.

There is really no excuse for retailers to be selling cigarettes to children under 16

ASH spokeswoman

Councils across England used volunteer children under the age of 16 to carry out test purchases of tobacco products in around 3,800 premises.

The results of a nationwide survey, published by the Department of Health, show that cigarettes were sold to underage children in 12% of premises.

Inspections

Council officials also inspected almost 22,000 premises to see if they had warning signs stating that it is illegal to sell tobacco products to under 16s. Almost 3,000 were not displaying the sign.

Public Health Minister Hazel Blears said backed the inspections.

"Smoking is highly addictive. Half of all people who smoke throughout their lives die as a result of their habit. The younger that people start, the more likely they are to smoke for longer and die early from smoking.

"It makes sense not to start at all. This is why robust enforcement action by local authorities is so helpful."

She also revealed that the government would ban tobacco advertising in the UK by the end of this year.

Figures from the Department of Health suggest that 9% of children between the ages of 11 and 15 regularly smoke cigarettes. Young girls smoke more than young boys.

Encouraging

A spokeswoman for the anti-smoking charity ASH said the figures were encouraging.

"The figures seem reasonably encouraging. There is a greater awareness among retailers. Most are reasonably responsible and won't sell cigarettes to under age children."

But she added: "There is really no excuse for retailers to be selling cigarettes to children under 16. If they have any doubts they should check their age."