Undercover checks were made at 22 outlets

Officers from Dorset County Council trading standards made undercover checks at 22 outlets with the help of 15-year-old volunteers.

Three premises - one major supermarket and two convenience stores - sold alcohol to the teenager without asking to see any identification.

A spokesman said it was an improvement on last year but still "worrying".

Ivan Hancock, divisional trading standards manager, said: "It remains a worry that in our recent test purchases, a 15-year-old volunteer was able to buy alcohol from three different retailers without even being asked their age.

"We need to be very clear that those who ignore advice and training, and who sell alcohol to underage young people, will be penalised.

"Where appropriate that will include sales staff, as well as licensees."

In all three cases the staff who sold alcohol at the stores were fined �80.