A GENERAL dealers store that sold alcohol to under-age test buyers yesterday lost its off-licence.

North Durham licensing justices' revoked the licence held by Densham's, in Ashfield, Shotley Bridge, near Consett, following an unopposed application by police.

The justices were told that the store was one of three in the north-west Durham area to fail three police-supervised test purchases by 14-year-old girls as part of a crackdown against the sale of drink to under-age customers, last December.

Operation Weasel, established following complaints of anti-social nuisance behaviour by teenagers, began with all off-licensees in the area being contacted, reminding them of their licensing responsibilities and of the impending visits.

Thirty-one stores were then visited by the under-age customers, filmed by plain- clothed police officers.

Steve Mooney, for Durham Police, said two stores failed one test purchase and received a warning, none failed twice, but Densham's was one of three to serve the youngsters on all three visits.

The hearing was shown video footage of the girls going into the premises, and emerging each time with a bottle of vodka-based alco-pop, bought without being questioned over their age.

Mr Mooney said licensee Arlene Densham was given the opportunity to attend the hearing, but refused to offer any explanation and did not oppose the police revocation bid.

Sergeant Tim Robson, police licensing officer for North Durham, said the shop no longer sold alcoholic drinks.

He said that an element of concern was the fact that the bottle was wrapped in a supermarket carrier bag by an assistant at the shop following one of the purchases, suggesting possible deception, making it look like the youngsters bought the drink elsewhere.

Sgt Robson said: "Youth nuisance is one of the greatest blights of a community and the gravest concern involves misuse of alcohol, whether bought by over-18s for under-18s or by under-18s.

"This is an excellent result, ensuring the quality of life for residents in the area will effectively be improved."

Sgt Robson said that the force plans to carry out similar operations in other areas, with Durham, Chester-le-Street and surrounding villages next to be targeted.