POLICE have been carrying out a series of sting operations on newsagents and off licenses across the borough in a bid to crack down on underage smokers and drinkers.

In connection with trading standards, police have been setting up shops to see if they will sell booze or cigarettes to underage children.

Of the 43 premises tested, only eight sold either drink or cigarettes to under age drinkers and smokers.

These shops will now have a meeting with the police and trading standards with the possible threat of court action hanging over them.

A police spokeswoman said that checks will continue on a regular basis,in partnership with local agencies including the council, as the borough looks to reduce alcohol and cigarette sales to those under the legal age.

An on-the-spot fine for people caught buying alcohol or cigarettes for those under the appropriate ages has also been implemented across Thurrock.