POLICE are carrying out an ongoing campaign to crackdown on underage drinking.

Officers from the Chester-le-Street police team are taking part in the Staysafe operation in the town and the surrounding villages.

On Friday they were joined by members of Durham County Council and the drug and alcohol charity Lifeline

It is in response to complaints about young people congregating, consuming alcohol and behaving in an anti-social manner.

The main aim is to protect young people from harm and to protect residents from crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Mel Sutherland said: “Our aim is not to stop kids having fun with their friends but it is to make sure they don’t come to any harm whilst they are out on the street.

“It is important for both the children and their parents to understand the risks, sometimes hidden, of under-age drinking.

“These dangers relate to the actual physical effects drinking alcohol has on a young person’s body, as well as the extremely risky behaviour which it can lead to.

“Even if a child is not consuming alcohol their presence in a group can put them at risk.

“There is evidence of young people engaging in sexual activity and drug taking in the vicinity of the locations where congregations have occurred.

“The operation led to a number of cans of lager being seized as well as a quantity of whisky, for which a store in Sacriston received a fixed penalty notice for selling to a 16 year old.

“We will continue to run these type of operations over the coming months.”