UNDERAGE drinkers in Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne have been given a STARC message last week with trouble spots in the towns targeted.

Police in took part in a new force wide initiative, Somerset Tackling Alcohol Related Crime (STARC) where they patrolled parks and trouble areas to help combat alcohol related crime.

Insp Mike Ashwin, part of the STARC initiative, said: "We carried out a number of patrols around parks and open spaces together with high profile patrols of events where youngsters attended.

"We are pleased with the low level of seizures although we continue to see the effects that inappropriate use of alcohol can have."

All youngsters who had alcohol were escorted home and parents/guardians advised of their conduct.

Insp Ashwin added: "I cannot emphasise the potential for danger enough.

"It is essential that parents and guardians have a real understanding of the scale of the problem to help keep their children safe"

The initiative has been set up with Somerset County Council, the district councils, Somerset Primary Care Trust and Avon and Somerset Constabulary to combat the harmful effects alcohol can have.

They will be concentrating on educating young people and parental responsibility, responsible retailing by shops and supermarkets and thirdly improving the atmosphere in our towns and villages by reducing violent crime and antisocial behaviour.

Activity under the partnership will continue throughout the summer months with both enforcement activities and education to help reduce the problems caused by inappropriate use of alcohol.