YOUNGSTERS will be sent into off-licences in Derwentside this summer to buy alcohol illegally, as part of a police crackdown on sales to under-age drinkers.

The teenagers, aged 13 to 15, will visit shops in the Stanley area, under police supervision.

The test purchases will start on Monday and police have warned they will consider revoking the licences of any business that sells booze to the youngsters.

PC Sarah Hindmarsh, of Stanley Police, said: "Drink is a big factor associated with youth disorder and nuisance. While Stanley is no worse than any other area in this respect, it is something we monitor constantly.

"We also want to encourage licensees to be on the alert for under-18s attempting to buy alcohol and help reinforce our proof of age scheme."