SIR - In response to JC Butterfield's letter Using kids as spies is just plain wrong' (Letters, April 26), I must strongly defend this practice, undertaken by Worcestershire County Council's Trading Standards service.

These undercover operations do not set out to hoodwink reputable traders, but instead aim to uncover shops that flout the law and sell age-restricted products to those who are too young to have them.

Most shops targeted with our young volunteers have been identified with information from members of the public, who reported them to Trading Standards or the police for selling to young people.

As a local councillor, I am often contacted by people, especially the elderly, affected by anti-social behaviour, which is often linked to young people and alcohol misuse.

The county council is committed to preventing the sale and consumption of alcohol to youngsters to curb anti-social behaviour and prevent health problems associated with alcohol consumption.

Our underage sales operations also target shops which sell fireworks, that pose a huge physical risk to the children who are sold them as well as the safety of the general public.

I would ask JC Butterfield to consider the benefits of preventing the sales rather than concentrate on the shopkeepers.

Trading Standards takes its responsibility to support businesses in the county to be successful and strengthen our local economy very seriously. We are running a responsible retailer scheme, Star, which provides training to help shopkeepers prevent underage sales, and this is proving very popular.

The young people used in these test purchases are all willing volunteers who enjoy the experience and demonstrate their community mindedness by participating.

I would like to congratulate Trading Standards for its investigation and thank responsible shopkeepers for their efforts.

Coun Derek Prodger, Worcester.