Youngsters made test purchases for officials

The study, by the county council and local police, blames the problem of under-age drinking on the ease with which teenagers can buy alcohol from shops and off-licences.

Police and trading standards officers said they were "shocked and appalled" by the results.

The study was carried out by teenager volunteers visiting targeted shops in the Stroud and Cheltenham areas, trying to buy alcoholic drinks.

'Firm action'

Councillor Jeremy Hilton said: "There will always be young people who attempt to buy alcohol.

"In addition to the nuisance value that under-age drinkers can present, they are often a danger to themselves and to others.

"It is in everyone's interest that illegal sales are prevented and firm action is being taken to achieve this."

Five from 11 shops targeted sold alcohol to the volunteers without questioning their age or asking for identification.

The shops were chosen as a result of police intelligence and had been previously visited by trading standards officers reminding them of their responsibilities under the law.