A CAMPAIGN to wipe out alcohol sales to young people focused on Bedale last month.

The Alcohol Reduction Campaign led by officers from North Yorkshire trading standards - and supported by Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership - built on work undertaken in late 2009.

It aims to reduce instances where alcohol is being sold or supplied to underage persons as well as significantly reduce the number of proxy sales - where alcohol is bought on behalf of an underage person.

It is also believed to lead to reductions in anti-social behaviour, alcohol related litter and petty vandalism.

The refresher scheme - which involved retailers, local authorities, schools, police and the voluntary sector - sought to reinforce the message to make sure earlier successes continue.

And information packs, badges and posters were used by the partners in daytime and evening visits to local licensed premises to reinforce the ‘Challenge 21’ message.

"The previous campaign vindicated our approach to tackling underage drinking by working with partners to support local traders," said Councillor Chris Metcalfe, North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for trading standards.

"They are the ones in the front line when it comes to stopping the supply of alcohol to youngsters and we want to ensure that the Challenge 21 message is reinforced."