MORE than 300 bottles and cans of alcohol were seized from under-age drinkers in Darwen over Christmas and New Year.

Darwen police confiscated a variety of alcoholic drinks from November to January from youths across the town as part of Operation Shepherd.

Opened bottles and cans are disposed at the scene while unopened alcoholic drinks are taken back to the police station.

Operation Shepherd was set up to tackle and prevent alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as promoting personal safety over Christmas and the New Year.Darwen police targeted the Sudell and Birch Hall areas where youths are known to congregate.

Police said there were more problems in those areas with anti-social behaviour which was often linked to under-age drinking.

Inspector Mark Thackeray-Scott, of Darwen police, said: "Usually a lot of anti-social behaviour from young people in Darwen is attributable to under-age drinking. We are fully committed to take action against people purchasing alcohol for under-age people.

"I do genuinely believe we have, since joining up with Trading Standards and doing test purchases.

"Obviously we have to target other people who are buying alcohol for young people but it is also being obtained in the home."