UNDERCOVER operations are being planned to catch off-licences selling booze to underage drinkers.

Trading Standards officers have reacted with dismay after a 15-year-old volunteer managed to buy high strength alcohol in four out of seven visits to premises in the area.

They will now visit and inspect every off-licence in the borough to ensure all operators are aware of their responsibilities.

Those found guilty of supplying alcohol could face fines of £5,000 and six months imprisonment for each offence.

Wigan Council's chief trading standards officer, Alan Blundell, said: "Despite our best efforts to hammer the message home it would seem some off licences are just not listening. We urge the small minority to think again before we come calling and it's too late.""

He said they would seek to take the strongest possible action against anyone caught in the further undercover operations being planned.