THREE shopkeepers in north-west Durham face losing their alcohol licences after selling drink to under-age teenagers during a police operation.

Police sent youngsters aged 14 into all 34 off-licences in the Consett area, with instructions to try to buy drink.

The teenagers made 77 visits and most stores turned them down.

Six shops, which have not been named, handed over alcohol without question and three of them were each caught out three times.

Derwentside licensing officer Sergeant Tim Robson said: "The vast majority of businesses came through the test with flying colours and flatly refused to serve customers who were clearly under age.

"Those who failed will get what they deserve."

The ten-day operation covered stores in Consett, Delves Lane, The Grove, Moorside, Blackhill, Shotley Bridge and Leadgate.

Sgt Robson said police would make formal applications to magistrates to revoke the licences of the worst offenders, a move that, if successful, would effectively ban them from selling alcohol.

The three stores which only broke the law once will be sent a warning letter.

Sgt Robson said: "The traders can have been under no illusions.

"They have all been warned, in writing, of the sanctions they face.

"It is not the first time we have carried out such an operation and it will most definitely not be the last."