SOUTH Craven adults who buy cigarettes for youngsters face a hefty fine, Trading Standards bosses have warned.

Officers from the North Yorkshire service issued the message after they brought the county's first prosecution under new legislation, banning proxy sales of tobacco to under-18s.

A man was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge after being caught on CCTV buying a packet of cigs for a youth.

He admitted the offence.

County Councillor Chris Metcalfe, executive member for Trading Standards, said: "It might seem like a bit of fun to help a teenager get hold of tobacco or alcohol, but you could be contributing to a lifelong addiction and the fine and costs imposed by the court should act as a warning to anyone tempted to buy these products for a young person."