IT'S proof or bust in Penwortham as a new scheme is being launched to crack down on young people trying to buy alcohol.

Off Watch is being piloted by Penwortham police and involves all the seven off-licences in Middleforth and Kingsfold making it clear to young customers - prove your age or walk away.

Police and off-licencees hope the initiative will rid the problem of young people getting drunk and causing a nuisance in the area. If the scheme is successful it will be used all over Lancashire.

David Holmes, manager of Penwortham Lane Convenience Store, Kingsfold, was one of the first to sign up.

He said: "It's all about being a good neighbour.

"We are all part of the community here and it's our responsibilty to make sure alcohol is being sold to the right people."

Off Watch, which has taken inspiration from the Pub Watch initiative already in operation in Middleforth, will operate a 'ring round' system. Owners will warn each other if anyone under the age of 18 tries to buy alcohol or if they suspect older people are buying alcohol for those who are under age.

Those suspected of doing so will be banned from all seven shops.

Under the scheme anyone looking under the age of 21 will have to prove their age.

Mr Holmes, who has owned the shop for nearly eight years, said upping the age checks will be a strong weapon in the fight against underage drinkers.

"He admitted, however, that it would be more difficut to put a stop to adults buying alcohol for young people.

"We can only ask but if they say they are buying it for themselves then there is little we can do," he said. But he was optimistic they will soon be able to address the issue.

He said: "If young people are still getting alcohol we know they're getting it from someone else. Hopefully then we will be able to start looking at other sources."

PC Kevin Bond, community beat manager for Middleforth, said: "There is such a high concentration of off-licences in the area that a scheme like this could really benefit the area.

"It's in its very early stages but we hope it will be a success and spread county-wide."

Off Watch is expected to be launched in the next few weeks.