An underage volunteer was sent into 12 off-licences in Barrow to attempt to buy alcohol, but was turned away from every shop, delighted police said.

The exercise was part of a Christmas alcohol misuse campaign designed to curb binge drinking.

It is being backed by Cumbria Council trading standards, the police, local authorities and health care trusts.

Phil Ashcroft, head of trading standards at Cumbria County Council, said: "On each occasion the under-18 volunteer was refused their request for alcohol and in the majority of cases was asked for proof of age.

'Losing their licence'

"This demonstrates that those premises are taking their legal obligations seriously in asking for identification should they be in any doubt."

Shopkeepers found guilty of supplying alcohol to underage children face losing their licence and a fine of up to �1,000 for each offence.

Insp Geoff Steele, of Cumbria Police, said: "We are really encouraged by the results of the test purchase work in Barrow.

"But is also important that parents and all adults generally support this work and do not purchase alcohol on behalf of young people under 18."