Linda Harvey was shocked to see DVDs such as Juicy Lucy and Teen Angels on sale in the Poundland store in Middleton Grange, next to everyday household items.

Some of the titles were too graphic for publication in the Mail.
Scores of the DVDs are stocked by the store in the Hartlepool shopping precinct, at just £1 each.

The Mail bought one of the hour-long 18-rated films, which contains graphic sex scenes.

Mrs Harvey, 57, complained to the manager, saying she did not think they should be on sale in a shop that is popular with families and children.



The grandmother of eight said: "I noticed them when I was in there shopping with my daughter and she pointed out Horny Housewives to me. I thought 'not in Poundland'.

"This is a family shop, my grandchildren go in there to spend their pocket money and so do lots of others, I don't think it is the sort of shop that should be selling things like that."

Two full shelves of the DVDs are on display at the end of the store's food and drink aisle just inches away from regular films and children's cartoons like Transformers.

Signs stress they are for adults only, and will not to be sold to anyone under the age of 18.

Mrs Harvey, who lives in the Rift House area of town, added: "I asked at the checkout to complain and spoke to the manageress, who said she sells what she is told to sell."

Poundland sells everything from food and drink, toys, health and beauty products and household goods.

A spokesman for the store said: "Poundland has a strict policy on the sale of DVDs sold within its stores.

"Our current range of adult films within stores are classified with an 18 certificate, and each Poundland staff member is fully trained and prompted electronically, to ask for identification if a customer appears to be under the age of 18 years old."

Mark Rycraft, Middleton Grange manager, said: "We have discussed the matter directly with Poundland but it would be inappropriate for us to comment."

The Mail has passed the DVD to trading standards officers at Hartlepool Council, which is now investigating whether it breaches any regulations.

A council spokesman said: "We have not received any reports or complaints from members of the public, but would be happy to investigate any concerns that people have."