A telephone hotline has been set up for people to report shops, pubs and clubs that serve alcohol to under-age drinkers.

Blackburn and Darwen's Council, the primary care trust and police have teamed up to launch the scheme.

The number has been set up through neighbourhood renewal funding to try to clampdown on the anti-social behaviour of underage drinkers.

The hotline aims to provide people with an easy and confidential way to report anyone serving alcohol to under-18s or anyone supplying alcohol illegally.

The hotline will be launched in Blackburn centre on Friday when council officers will conduct a confidential survey into how big a problem under age drinking is.

Coun Dave Hollings, executive member for citizen and consumer rights, said: "The law on preventing the sale of alcohol to under-18s is there for a reason - to protect children and young people.

"I'd urge everyone to use the hotline to call time on people who put children at risk."

Complaints will be investigated by both the council's trading standards team and police.

The hotline number is 08456 066607.