THREE supermarkets in Bolton have been caught selling alcohol to a child.

Three out of four stores visited by Trading Standards officers sold cans of beer or cider without questioning the age of the 16-year-old buyer.

Officers have now vowed to repeat the operation over the coming weeks.

The tests were carried out as part of Greater Manchester Police's Operation Townsafe which aims to clamp down on drinking and anti-social behaviour in Bolton in the run-up to Easter.

Trading Standards carried out eight tests at the four supermarkers and achieved five sales.

The teenager visited the stores more than once to test various check-out operators, trying to buy one four-pack of beer or cider on each visit.

None of the three stores which sold alcohol asked for identification.

Liz Pritchard, principal trading standards officer at Bolton, said: "We will continue to carry out these tests until the message hits home that shops should not sell to underage people."

Police have been warning pub landlords and off-licences that they risk being fined if they fuel drunken trouble on Bolton streets.

Six landlords and one shopkeeper have already been forced to sign up to Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, a scheme tying them to good behaviour, after being caught selling alcohol to youngsters.

Door staff will also shortly face checks to ensure they are licensed.

Drinkers are being warned they face on-the-spot fines for drunken and rowdy behaviour which have been increased from £40 to £80.