Cumbria Trading Standards is working with local police to lead the fight against underage sales of alcohol in the run up to Christmas.

Test purchasing operations are being mounted across the county using teenage volunteers to drive home the message that underage alcohol sales and drunken antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

And while they will provide support to traders who are adhering to the law, action will be taken against any found to be supplying alcohol to under 18s.

Angela Jones, Trading Standards manager, said: "As Christmas approaches lots of people will be going to parties and celebrating, so this is an ideal opportunity to remind traders of the law relating to the selling alcohol to young people.

“We will work in partnership with the police and licensing teams to protect the health and well being of young people in Cumbria and to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Christmas.

“Traders are well aware that if they are caught selling alcohol to persons under the age of 18 they could face prosecution, a fine of up to £5,000 and could lose their licence.

“We would also like to remind the public that if they buy alcohol for under-age persons they also commit an offence.

Sgt Ian McClymont from Cumbria police said “We have listened to the community, and alcohol related anti social behaviour is a concern. We work closely with trading standards and will target premises where traders are believed to be selling alcohol to under 18s.

“Alcohol related anti social behaviour is not acceptable, and through working closely with our partners we have seen a significant reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour over the last couple of years."

Anyone with any information regarding the sale of alcohol to children under the age of 18 should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 - this can be done anonymously.