POLICE are targeting underage drinkers in Washington over the festive period.

The operation involves officers from the North Washington Neighbourhood Renewal Fund (NRF) and Trading Standards. It was set up following concerns from the community about youngsters drinking in the area.

It has been part funded by the Safer Communities Initiative and used people under 18, supervised by adults, who visited off licences and tried to buy alcohol.

Although the majority obeyed the law, two shops did supply alcohol and action is being taken against them.

Sergeant Gordon Makepeace, who is running the operation, said: "We take juvenile disorder within the community very seriously and will endeavour to tackle this problem.

"We accept that alcohol, which is sometimes all too easy to get, is a factor and we will continue to tackle the problem.

We should remember that alcohol abuse in young people is of great concern. We welcome any information which will be treated in total confidence."

The NRF team can be contacted at the Millennium Centre in Concord, Washington, on 0191-417 9758.