SHOP owners and staff are being warned to be on their guard against under-age alcohol sales over Christmas after a worker was fined last week.

The sales assistant was fined £200 after selling a bottle of cider to a 14-year-old at a town centre store in Middlesbrough.

During the holidays, trading standards officers and young volunteers will be out and about ensuring that shops stick by the law and that drink doesn't get into the wrong hands.

Middlesbrough Councillor Barry Coppinger said: "Because of the effect alcohol has on the well-being of young people and the obvious links with anti-social behaviour, we make deterring and detecting under-age sales a priority.

"This is the busiest time of the year for shops and supermarkets, but they can't take short cuts and must ensure staff are properly briefed and trained.

"Everybody has to play their part in ensuring young people don't get their hands on alcohol.

"If they don't fulfil their responsibilities, they will face court action."