FOUR hundred young revellers, including a girl of 11, were refused entry to a nightclub during a crackdown on under-age drinking.

The operation was carried out by police with the co-operation of the management and staff at Sol and Viva in Bury.

A total of 300 potential clubbers were barred from the club on August 25 with a further 100 youngsters denied entry to the Rochdale Road nightspot last Friday. It is understood that an 11-year-old girl was among those who tried to gain entry.

Police said the operation was part of a drive to target alcohol-related crime.

Its success has encouraged police chiefs to use more resources to combat underage drinking in the town centre.

Sgt Bruce Howard said: "Officers worked alongside the club's door staff to identify people who were possibly under-age. Those who couldn't produce formal ID were denied access.

"As a result, overall crime was reduced in Bury town centre on these two nights, including incidents of assault, criminal damage and public order offences.

"Our partnership with the management and staff of Sol and Viva has been a success and more resources can be ploughed into this operation in the future with the possibility of doing similar operations at other nightclubs in the town."

Sol and Viva manager Mr Terry Bruce said he was delighted with the joint crackdown but added that his staff had difficulties in identifying under-age drinkers who are "dolled up to the nines".

He said: "A lot of those turned away are probably over 18, but they look younger. If there is any doubt and they cannot produce proper identification then they will not be allowed in.

"Our message to customers who look younger than their years is to bring either their passport or a driving licence."

Mr Bruce is also offering to pay for new fencing outside to stop revellers falling or being pushed into the road at closing time. He said: "Our main priority is customer safety. We also have a duty to help stop crime."