A CAMPAIGN to deter adults buying alcohol for children has been launched across the county.

Worcestershire Substances Misuse Action Team has produced the campaign after research conducted by the county council showed in many cases children were obtaining alcohol from a third party.

The poster campaign will focus on the message the practice is unacceptable and very serious. An adult caught buying alcohol for a person under 18 can face a fine up to £5,000.

Councillor John Smith, chairman of Worcestershire County Council, said: "Apart from the health risks linked to children consuming too much alcohol, underage drinking can also be linked to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

"Adults who buy alcohol for young people are contributing to this problem.

"I hope the county's shopkeepers support this scheme and people who may have previously been buying alcohol for children, believing it to be harmless, think about what they are doing."