Only two out of 17 off-licences sold alcohol to a 15-year-old in the latest test purchase operation.

The sweep of off-licences in Beeston, Chilwell, Kimberley and Eastwood took place in the last two weeks.

Council spokesman Glynn Gilfoyle said: "Pleasingly this rate is lower than previous exercises."

Knock-on effect

She said: "The results for Beeston and Chilwell were particularly positive."

Paul Horton, of Nottinghamshire police, said: "Underage drinking not only has a knock-on effect to the local community in terms of anti-social behaviour, but is also severely detrimental to the health of young people."

In a similar sting in Broxtowe in June, none of the 30 pubs visited sold alcohol illegally.

But a test purchase operation in Nottingham in December saw 11 of 13 pubs and off-licences selling alcohol to underage drinkers.