OFF-LICENCES will be given police mobile numbers as part of a major crackdown on under-age drinking.

Today police launch the new Community Alcohol Network in the Peel, Barnfield, and Woodnook areas of Accrington.

The campaign, a partnership between Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Constabulary, will also see adults warned of the consequences of buying booze for children.

The project will include targeted police patrols in hotspot areas, and visits to schools to raise awareness about activities available for young people.

Trading Standards officers will also be speaking to local retailers to offer advice on the sale of alcohol.

Posters will be displayed in shops and pubs across the area, and leaflets will be posted through doors warning of the consequences associated with buying alcohol for children.

Patrols will seize alcohol from under-age drinkers, while ensuring it is being sold responsibly.

Off-licence staff will also be given a dedicated mobile number, which will link directly to the police, allowing officers to respond quickly to any issues relating to underage drinking.

Community beat manager PC Martin Midgley said: “This campaign is all about working with communities and local retailers.

“A similar scheme in Oswaldtwistle saw anti-social behaviour drop by almost 60per cent.”

Paul Noone, head of Trading Standards at the county council, said: “People who buy alcohol for a child think there’s no harm because they tried alcohol at that age.

“But early alcohol initiation affects children’s health in later life and can also result in crime which impacts on local communities.”

The project will run for 12 weeks before being rolled out to other parts of the county.

Anyone with information, or concerns, about under-age drinking, or anti-social behaviour, can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.