The youngster was sent into 15 off-licences in Askam, Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston and on each occasion the request was refused.

It follows a similar initiative at Christmas 2004 when a young volunteer was unable to purchase alcohol from 12 premises visited.

Trading Standards and Cumbria Police were "encouraged" by the results.

Inspector Geoff Steele said: "We will, in co-operation with partner organisations, continue to use this tactic in off-licences, pubs and clubs across South Cumbria.

"We are again pleased that the owners and staff in off-licences are taking their obligations seriously."