The 16-year-old was sold alcohol by all but one of the stores in the Market Harborough area.

At premises where staff conducted the sale they were issued with an �80 fixed penalty notice.

At four of the premises the licensee was involved in the sale and they could face prosecution and a fine.

Sergeant Mark Wilkinson, from Market Harborough local policing unit, said: "I am extremely disappointed that so many traders broke the law, especially as many of them promote the Challenge 21 scheme.

"It is incredible that the girl was only challenged in one of the licensed premises."