A Labour council candidate in Northumberland Heath has been ordered to pay nearly £1,750 after fireworks were sold to an underage customer at his shop.

Baljeet Singh Gill part owns the Montpelier Local shop in Bexley where a person under the age of 18 was allowed to buy fireworks on October 29 last year without being asked for proof of age.

He was summonsed to Bexley Magistrates’ Court yesterday after an investigation by Bexley Council’s trading standards team.

The Labour candidate for Northumberland Heath ward in next month’s elections admitted the offence and was sentenced along with his two sons who also own the shop.

Derek Steedman, chair of Bexley Labour's local campaign forum, said: “Baljeet Gill admitted to this serious mistake and pleaded guilty and although he did not make the sale himself accepts the responsibility he has as head of the business.

“Baljeet has been and remains contrite and is finalising the sale of the business.‎”

Conservative member for Belvedere Councillor Kerry Allon said: “If a shop owner is going to allow fireworks to be sold to a kid do you want him in charge of the council?

“It is what it is and I don’t think it needs much comment.”

Mr Gill, of Brantwood Avenue, Erith, admitted selling fireworks to someone under the age of 18 without asking for proof of age and was fined £1,200, ordered to £429.66 costs and a £120 victim surcharge.

His sons Pavandeep Gill and Brinderjeet Singh Gill were both fined £400, ordered to pay £429.66 costs and a victim surcharge of £40.