A BOLTON newsagent has spoken of his relief after magistrates dismissed charges that he sold tobacco to a child.

Curtis Fendlen, who runs Longsight News, Longsight, Harwood, says he endured months of worry after he was prosecuted following an investigation by Bolton trading standards.

A 13-year-old girl was used by trading standards officers to buy cigarettes from the newsagent's shop as a test purchase last November.

Mr Fendlen has fought the case through the courts claiming the girl's appearance was deceptive and she looked over 16, the legal age for the purchase of tobacco.

This week the case was dismissed after Mr Fendlen, 32, gave the court a long list of the strict processes he has in place to prevent cigarettes being sold to those under age. Speaking after the case, he said: "I think it's absolutely stupid that it went this far. It should never have gone to court.

"I had 11 years as a supermarket manager before moving into this business and have excellent training procedures in place.

"I have always ensured my staff have intensive training for two weeks and are then monitored continuously."

Mr Fendlen had been facing a fine of up to £2,500 as well as large legal fees for two solicitors and a barrister.

But he says he was determined to clear his name, adding: "I'm really pleased with the outcome but I wasn't as bothered about the fine as the possibility of having a criminal record."

The same charge, made against a staff member at Mr Fendlen's shop, was also dismissed by magistrates. Trading standards declined to comment on the case.