THREE-hundred sting operations are to be carried out in the region in a bid to tackle underage drinking.

Underage volunteers, under the supervision of trading standards officers, will attempt to buy alcohol as part of the crackdown.

Nationwide, more than 5,500 sting operations are to take place in what is the biggest ever crackdown on rogue licensees and drunken behaviour.

Trading standards officers have been awarded £350,000 for the campaign as part of a £2.5m operation against alcohol-fuelled disorder.

In the North-East, £23,000 has been allocated for the campaign.

Premises identified by police as causing trouble will be targeted during the campaign.

Sunderland trading standards and licensing manager, Tom Jerret, on behalf of the North East Trading Standards Association, said: "We hope this warning serves as a reminder to licensees to insist their staff ask for proof of age before selling young people alcohol, or risk facing a fine."

Penalties for selling alcohol to children include an £80 fixed fine for bar and shop staff and, from Wednesday, up to a £5,000 fine and a revoked licence for licensees.

Home Office Minster Paul Goggins said selling alcohol to under-18s was a criminal offence.

He added: "Those caught breaking the law must take responsibility for their actions and face the consequences.

"Forty per cent of supermarkets, shops, pubs and clubs sold booze to kids during last summer's 909 sting operations that took place in 25 towns.

"These failure rates are unacceptable and too high.

"My message to retailers and licensees is clear - get your house in order and stop selling alcohol to kids under 18."