A MAN is to appear in court next month in connection with buying alcohol for children.

The 24-year-old from Ramsbottom was arrested following a crackdown by police and trading standards officers on youths drinking in the streets or parks in the Ramsbottom and Tottington areas.

Inspector Steve Clark, head of Ramsbottom Police, warned their action against underage drinkers and adults suspected of supplying children with alcohol will continue for the next few months.

He said: "Routine patrols have targeted the main problem areas every Friday and Saturday evening. PCs and police community support officers have removed alcohol from young people."

Officers have also been using juvenile contact cards which log the identity of youths in particular areas.

The police's youth development officer also plans to visit high schools to speak to parents when they attend the induction evenings for the children who are due to start there in September.

Insp Clark said: "Although these children are younger than our stereotypical teenage drinker, it is an ideal opportunity to speak to almost every parent and get our message across that underage drinking in any location will not be tolerated."