TEEN boozers and reckless licensees will be targeted as part of a police campaign aimed at cracking down on alcohol misuse in Rossendale.

As part of the county-wide crime crackdown Operation Summer Nights, police in Rossendale say they have launched a two-pronged attack.

They will be carrying out test buying operations to identify which off-licences are selling alcohol to youths and confiscating alcohol that finds its way into young hands.

The most recent test purchasing operation was carried out at the weekend in partnership with Trading Standards and a young volunteer.

Nine shops were visited, two of which sold alcohol to youths. Staff at both premises have now received Penalty Notices for Disorder.

Officers have also confiscated dozens of bottles of beer, wine and spirits from booze-fuelled youngsters over recent weeks and say that more is likely to be seized unless youths heed police warnings.

Sgt Gordon McGeechan said: "The problem of underage drinking is frequently raised at Police and Communities Together meetings.

"Even though these youths are in the minority we share the public's concern.

"Not only can underage drinking lead to anti-social behaviour but it can also cause serious damage to the health of these young people. That's why we are paying particular emphasis to the problem as part of Operation Summer Nights."

He said: "Here in Rossendale we're tackling teen drinking on all fronts firstly by cutting off the supply and secondly by seizing any alcohol which does manage to get through.

"We hope this firm action will act as a deterrent to retailers and local youths, and help to reassure law abiding members of the community that officers are taking action to address their concerns.

"The sale of alcohol to underage youths and the consumption of alcohol by underage youths will not be tolerated. We will not let the actions of a small minority of drunken youths and irresponsible retailers spoil the quality of life for others this summer."