SIX pubs, off-licences and stores in Derwenstide have been fined after staff were caught selling alcohol to youngsters.

Officers from the north area licensing unit, accompanied by two special constables, carried out test purchases in the town on Friday evening.

This was the latest in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting the persistent problem of drink being sold to under-18s.

Two volunteers, aged 15 and 16, took part, with their parents' approval, as the test purchasers.

The two girls entered nine premises and attempted to buy drinks.

Their orders included sparkling wine, lager, bottles of alcopops.

On three occasions, staff refused to serve them, but at six establishments they had no difficulty making their purchases.

The managers of the offending venues have been served with £80 fixed-penalty notices and reminded of their legal responsibilities.

Sergeant Tim Robson, substance misuse officer for the north area, said: "Police regularly receive complaints from residents about the problems associated with young people getting easy access to alcoholic drinks.

"We will continue to carry out these operations on a regular basis to remind managers of their duties.

"Any who persistently flout the law could easily lose their licence to sell alcohol."

Those who broke the law were the Village Store, in Quebec Street, Langley Park; the Ram's Head pub, in Langley Park; Bargain Booze off-licence, in Medomsley Road, Consett; the Jolly Drovers pub, in Leadgate; the Coach and Horses, in Consett's Front Street; and Decade's club, also in Front Street.

The Ram's Head and Jolly Drovers were also caught making sales to under-18s when police staged a similar exercise in March last year.

Police praised sales staff at the Black Diamond pub and Briardale Stores, in Delves Lane, as well as Best Stores, in Old Hall Road, in Consett, who refused to serve the teenagers.

Last month, Derwentside District Council revoked the licence of Khera Wines and Newsagents, in Wear Road, Stanley, after staff were caught selling alcohol to children.

To report shops that serve people who are underage call police on 0845-60-60-365.