HALF the shops visited by undercover Trading Standards officers in Swindon sold drink to children.

Now officers have warned licensees and sales assistants to shape up or face prosecution.

Eight shops were visited last month and four sold alcohol to youngsters. It follows a round of test purchases in October when six sales to children were made in eight visits.

Robert Taylour, Trading Standards group leader, said: "I am disappointed so many sales have been made.

"One of the volunteers used was 15 years old, 5ft tall and has braces. That she was able to buy alcohol without challenge during the schools' half-term week is particularly unbelievable.

"I'm sure all responsible parents would be appalled at the thought that this could have been their daughter."

Swindon Council's anti-social behaviour co-ordinator Cheri Wright said: "We have clear evidence to suggest there is a close relationship between anti social behaviour in our communities and alcohol.

"If we are to tackle this serious issue we need to work together, parents need to be aware of where their children may be getting alcohol from, and local shops need to challenge the age of youths buying alcohol."