Police in Bradley Stoke have praised the town’s Tesco supermarket after they refused to sell alcohol to under 18s.

Officers teamed up with South Gloucestershire Trading Standards and checked off-licences and supermarkets around the town, Patchway and Filton.

More than a dozen stores were checked but only three sold alcohol to the under-age helpers working with the police.

Acting Inspector Kevin Thatcher said: “This is an ongoing operation designed to tackle anti-social behaviour at the source. Alcohol and young people leads to anti-social and criminal behaviour and our licensees have a responsibility to ensure that alcohol does not fall into the wrong hands.

“This operation checked both supermarkets and convenience stores were complying with the law.

“Both agencies are pleased that the majority of off-licences in this neighbourhood have systems in place to prevent these sales. Steps will now be taken to ensure that the sales that did take place will not be repeated.”