A CRACKDOWN on underage drinking in Lancashire is being launched over the festive period.

Operation Shepherd will see a number of test purchases carried out in a bid to catch out shops which sell to under 18s.

Alongside test purchase operations, Lancashire Constabulary is also looking to tackle the issue of "buying by proxy".

This is where young people target those over 18 either by request or sometimes by the threat of violence, for them to buy alcohol and pass it on.

David Johnnie, from Lancashire Trading Standards, said: "Buying alcohol by proxy is on the increase and we are keen to send out a clear message to people in Lancashire that this type of activity will not be tolerated.

"If you buy alcohol for someone who is under 18 you could face a fine of up to £5,000.

"We will be assisting the police with enforcement action to deter this type of activity."

Lancashire Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable, Wendy Walker, said: "We are keen to send out a clear message to the people of Lancashire that underage drinking will not be tolerated.

"We will continue to work closely with Trading Standards in an attempt to root out this problem and deter young people from taking part in this type of activity."