SHOPKEEPERS are being urged to stay vigilant this summer to keep schoolchildren safe from alcohol harm.

Trading Standards Services in Bolton and 19 local authorities from across the North West have been visiting shops as schools break up for summer.

Officers have been undertaking advice visits and test purchases.

Kate Pike, Co-ordinator of Trading Standards North West, said: “Shops are on the front line when it comes to protecting young people from the risks of underage drinking.

“Traders should always ask young people for age identification if in doubt and should refuse to serve and report adults to their local trading standards team or the police if they suspect they are buying alcohol to give to underage children.

“We have been running a number of test purchase exercises and were pleased to find that the vast majority of shopkeepers were not selling alcohol illegally. Sadly a number were and officers will now consider what action to take. "