Officers are increasing patrols and working with pubs and shops to try to prevent the illegal sale of alcohol.

Teenagers are being warned they must be over 18 to celebrate in a pub.

The patrols will also be used to disperse any large groups of teenagers who are deemed to be causing a nuisance or behaving badly.

Undercover operation

One system which has already proved successful is a wristband scheme in Ripley Ilkeston and Long Eaton.

Drinkers who look younger than 21 are challenged to prove they are 18 or over.

If they can, they get a wristband automatically allowing them to be served around town.

A recent undercover operation by the county council found nearly half of shops in the Matlock, Buxton and Bakewell areas sold alcohol to children in their early teens.