FOUR hundred young revellers were refused entry to Bury's leading nightclub during a crackdown on under-age drinking.

A total of 300 potential clubbers were barred from Sol and Viva during the first purge on August 25 with a further 100 youngsters denied entry to the Rochdale Road nightspot last Friday (Aug 31). It is understood that an 11-year-old girl was among those who tried to gain entry.

The crackdown was carried out by police with the co-operation of the management and staff at Sol and Viva. Police said the operation was part of a drive to target alcohol-related crime.

Its success has encouragd police chiefs to use more resources to combat underage drinking in the town centre. Sergeant Bruce Howard from Bury's Operational Police Unit said: "Officers worked alongside the club's door staff to identify people who were possibly under-age. Those who couldn't produce formal ID were denied access.

"As a result, overall crime was reduced in Bury town centre on these two nights, including incidents of assault, criminal damage and public order offences.

"Our partnership with the management and staff of Sol and Viva has been a success and more resources can be ploughed into this operation in the future with the possibility of doing similar operations at other nightclubs in the town."

Sol and Viva manager Mr Terry Bruce said he was delighted with the joint crackdown but spoke of the difficulties his staff had in identifying under-age drinkers who are "dolled up to the nines".

He said: "A lot of those turned away are probably over 18 years but they look younger. If there is any doubt and they cannot produce proper identification then they will not be allowed in.

"Our message to customers who look younger than their years is to bring either their passport or a driving licence."

Sol and Viva's boss is also offering to pay for new fencing outside to stop revellers falling or being pushed into the road at closing time.

Mr Bruce said: "Our main priority is customer safety. We also have a duty to help to stop crime."