THREE shopkeepers face possible prosecution after selling cider to an under-age customer.

The traders fell foul of a recent swoop in Sunderland, involving a 15-year-old volunteer, who was sent into premises to see if shops would sell alcohol to minors.

It is the first time City council trading standards officers have used an under-age volunteer, following a change in the law last year.

Store owners were reminded of their statutory obligations in a series of visits. Officers then made eight follow-up visits, during which three of the premises were willing to sell alcohol to the 15-year-old customer. Trading standards officer Tom Terrett warned further similar test purchases would be made across the city.

"More are planned and any sales which result will lead to consideration of the prosecution of the sellers. Shop staff should ask for proof of age when young people ask for alcohol.

"We want shopkeepers to make it clear to their staff that selling alcohol to a young person under 18 is a very serious matter, with a possible fine of up to £1,000."

Retailers are reminded that Connexions proof-of-age cards were launched across Wearside at the start of the month.

They are available free of charge to all 16 to 19-year-olds and display their name, photograph and date of birth.

Further information on Connexions is available on 0808-172 5555.

Members of the public can inform trading standards about illegal sales of alcohol to children in the city council area, on 0191-553 1717.