AS THE summer party season gets under way police are warning under-age drinkers they will have their alcohol seized and those supplying them could face £5,000 fines.

Police have already noticed an increase in the amount of booze being consumed by children as young as 15 and their message is clear - it will not be tolerated.

Bridport section commander Inspector Stephen Davenport also warned that those supplying the drink to minors are breaking the law.

He said: "It is happening throughout the section - in Lyme Regis, Bridport and West Bay.

"We noticed there was an increase in the amount of alcohol that seemed to be available around the town to young people.

"As a result we decided we could mount a mini-operation to combat the problem and use our powers to remove the alcohol.

"Of particular concern to me and the section is that we actually believe a lot of it is being supplied by people legitimately buying it. That is an extremely serious matter. I don't think many people are aware that they can be convicted and fined up to £5,000."

To gauge the extent of the problem, instead of destroying it as it was confiscated, the alcohol was stored at Bridport over three weeks.

"What you see is only a part of it because any open bottles were immediately poured down the drain," said Insp Davenport.

Community beat officer Caroline Orchard, whose patch includes West Bay, said even though the youngsters were disappointed to get caught there was on the whole a good response. "They understand why we are doing it," she said. "We also try and talk to them about the health aspects."

She said it was worrying the amount of spirits, such as brandy and vodka, and strong lagers and ciders found.

Insp Davenport is encouraging his officers to take details from the youngsters with drink and he will write a letter to their parents.

"The purpose of that is to notify parents and ask for their support in ensuring that their children do not continue to break the law. We are not about spoiling young people's fun in any shape or form but there is a direct correlation between drinking and anti-social behaviour and we won't tolerate that."

Police believe their operation has had an impact but want to get the message across loud and clear before end-of-term parties begin.

"Officers will be routinely patrolling local areas and making seizures where appropriate.

"We just have to keep a lid on this."