Police officers in West Cumbria carried out a test purchase operation that has led to two stores being fined for selling alcohol to children.

The operation was carried out in Workington and Maryport as well as Longtown in North Cumbria on Friday, October 8, following concerns raised by residents of youth disorder and underage drinking.

Two stores in West Cumbria were each reported for further investigation after failing to challenge and selling to a person under the age of 18.

Sergeant David Horky said: "The issue of youth disorder and specifically young people drinking alcohol had been raised to us by concerned residents.

"We acted upon these concerns and have run a test purchase operation to test stores on their vigilance in challenging those they suspect may be underage.

"We have reported stores which will lead to further investigations and hope that the stores involved and stores across West Cumbria learn from this. These stores have a professional duty not to sell alcohol to children."

The police say officers will continue to be proactive in responding to concerns of residents and urge stores to always challenge for ID when they suspect a person, under the legal age, is attempting to purchase alcohol.

Commenting on the operation, Cllr Iain Greaney, Maryport North, said: "I think it's been a problem for a while as the police are under-resourced.

"I don't think the problem is in the pubs, but out on the streets and it's been going on for about 15 years."

Cllr Greaney said he thought children were drinking at younger ages now because there was a lack of facilities available.

He said that their should be cafes and youth centres open that could provide young people with a sensible alternative to drinking.

He added that more should be done in schools to educate young people on the dangers of drinking alcohol.

Cllr Anthony McGuckin said: "These young people will break the law if they think they can get away with it.

"It's difficult for shops that serve alcohol, but there are stringent guidelines to follow.

"Police are doing their best to tackle the issue, but now it's about getting young people to understand the dangers."