An underage alcohol test purchase operation was carried out in North Herts last week.

Test purchases took place at stores in Hitchin, Baldock, Letchworth and Royston.

Student volunteers from the North Herts College Uniformed and Protective Services course assisted officers with the operation, which involved under-18 students attempting to buy alcohol without identification.

A total of nine stores were visited. In eight out of the nine tests, retailers correctly refused the sales and asked students for identification.

Following each attempt, officers debriefed the stores about the test purchase and the outcome.

Community Safety Unit Sergeant Chris Adshead said: "Most stores correctly refused the sale of alcohol to the students and correctly asked for identification, however there is work to do for those who failed the test.

"We work closely with Trading Standards to ensure that any outlet which sells age restricted products in these regular test purchase operations are aware of their legal obligations.

"We will continue to conduct such operations to ensure the safety of under 18s.

"I'd also like to thank students from North Herts College who volunteered for the initiative and hope it gave them a real insight into aspects of policing."