More than 100 independent traders have been given special training

Undercover tests show that the number of traders making alcohol sales to under-18s has dropped to 15% compared to 67% four years ago.

Officials have been working with local off licences, convenience stores and tobacconists to tackle illegal sales.

Help has been given to more than 100 independent traders who have not had the resources for formal training.

CitizenCards

Trading Standards attempted 26 test purchases in off-licensed premises for the current financial year with only four sales to 15-year-olds.

In 2002, officers made 102 visits to stores and 69 sales were made.

We hope stores will use the training resources to ensure the sales figures to the underage reduce even further Cllr David Wren

Phil Thomas, Swindon's Trading Standards Manager, said: "Our officers are now following an intelligence-led approach which means we can concentrate our resources on the problem premises."

Businesses were said to be more aware of fake proof-of-age cards after being issued with posters and lists of fraudulent cards.

Since 1999, more than 15,000 CitizenCards have been issued to young people in Swindon between the ages of 12 and 18, via a rolling school programme.

Borough councillor David Wren said: "[Age-restricted] products have health and safety implications for young people themselves and often fuel anti-social behaviour which heaps misery on local communities.

"We hope stores will use the training resources to ensure the sales figures to the underage reduce even further."