POLICE are warning of a crackdown on under age drinking in town centre nightspots after 10 per cent of clubbers were found to be under 18 during a raid in Leigh.

Officers and a sniffer-dog raided Toffs in West Bridgewater Street premises. All under age clubbers were ejected and 10 youths were reported for possessing alcohol under age.

They may be cautioned or summoned to appear in court.

A further 40 names and addresses were taken and checked for validity at the police station.

Sergeant Dave Waddicar, operations unit co-ordinator based at Leigh, said: "Nobody was arrested and only 10 youths were reported, as the others must have put their drinks down when police arrived.

"The club was described by a colleague as a 'kiddies disco' and it's thought some there were as young as 15. However, it was also described as being very professionally run."

Toffs boss Dave Rowlands says this is the first raid he has seen in his four years as owner. He added: "I think police were looking for drugs, but myself and my doormen have a very strict no-drugs policy so they didn't find any. There were 440 people in that night -- if 10 per cent were underage, 90 per cent were over 18."

He considers explained his entrance policy as being: "If they don't look 18 they don't get in. But it's getting harder to tell who is and isn't old enough -- especially the girls. Asking everyone for ID would take all day. A driving licence is the perfect form of ID."

He believes it is Leigh as a whole that has a problem rather than Toffs itself.

The club has a system where anyone who is too drunk or is found to be under age is provided with a free taxi home.

Sgt Waddicar suggested ways in which landlords could be more vigilant. He said: "They should ask for ID and if they are unsure if someone is old enough, they should refuse entry.

"Police are planning more raids on other premises in the area, so landlords should be on their guard."