POLICE have imposed on-the-spot fines on bar staff in a continuing crackdown on under-age drinking.

A police spokesman said two 15-year-old schoolgirls - closely monitored by plain-clothed police officers - went into six licensed premises in Chester-le-Street and surrounding villages to try to buy alcoholic drinks.

In five bars - The Shoes, in Sacriston, The Warriors Arms, in Great Lumley, The Lambton Arms and the Chicago Rock and Studio nightclubs, in Chester-le-Street - the girls were served drinks.

The result was £80 on-the-spot fines, which have to be paid within 21 days.

The girls were refused in one pub, The Bridge, in Chester-le-Street.

The trawl is the third of its kind in north Durham. In March, licensed premises in Consett fell foul of the law and a second operation, in Peterlee in May, also netted offenders.

The force's north area substance misuse officer, Sergeant Tim Robson, said the results had been "particularly unsatisfactory", more so because at three of the premises targeted, door staff were also on duty to vet would-be drinkers and control entry.

As a result of the police activities on Friday night, one member of the door staff was sacked by his employees.

Sgt Robson said: "It's disappointing that staff at so many of the premises failed to ask these girls, who were soberly dressed and without make-up, any questions about their age.

"We hope lessons have been learned and that checking procedures will have improved as a result. These operations will continue throughout the year."