North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council's trading standards department and have issued a warning to retailers following a spate of alcohol sales to children.

The council's trading standards department staged a joint exercise with North Yorkshire Police following a series of complaints about under-age drinking in the city.

Five of the seven retailers tested sold alcohol to two girls involved in the undercover operation - both 15 years of age.

Councillor Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's acting executive member for environment, said: "The council is deeply concerned about the health and social damage caused by underage drinking in the city.

"We are disappointed that some retailers have failed to obey the law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to the under 18s. Such sales cannot be tolerated, particularly when it is a simple step for retailers to ask young people for proof of age before selling alcohol to them."

PC Ashley Fitzhugh, police licensing officer, said: "We will continue to work to combat underage sales of alcohol. Youth crime and disorder is linked to alcohol abuse. The police expect licensees to be strict with young customers. For those who break the law revocation of their liquor licence may result."

Colin Rumford, head of trading standards and regulatory services, City of York Council, said: "This is the first year we have had responsibility for under-age alcohol sales, and the first time we have conducted an exercise of this type. Judging by it's success, we will certainly be carrying out more checks of this kind.

"It's not just up to retailers, but parents also need to be vigilant to prevent underage drinking in the city." ENDS