A PLAN by supermarket giants to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to under 16s has been backed by campaigners in East Lancashire.

Teaching unions and health campaigners said the proposals were 'sensible' and would tackle the problem of 'disruptive' children in schools.

Under plans by Aldi and Asda, customers from the beginning of March would be asked to show ID if they want to buy a can of the controversial drinks.

Earlier this month Waitrose changed their age restrictions on the products in response to growing health concerns.

Simon Jones, Lancashire representative with the National Education Union, supported the plans and said the drinks were 'not good for children and not good for anyone'.

He said: "I would personally support the plans.

"Sugary drinks in general are a problem and high-sugar, high-caffeine energy drinks in particular are a big concern and are really not helping matters.

"I think most of are members would agree with these proposals and that these drinks are a leading cause of hyperactivity.

"They're not good for children and they're not good for anyone really."

Russ McLean, East Lancashire's patients' champion said: "I think energy drinks, particularly ones which have a high degree of caffeine are quite dangerous after a few cans.

"So hats off to the supermarket chains Aldi and Asda for what is a sensible move.

"I hope more will follow suit.

"The caffeine in these drinks is a real problem and people drinks more than a couple of plans can experience real problem with their heart rate.

"It's not just children drinking these drinks either, but also adults who use them to stay awake, who might be on a late shift in work."

Former health boss Cllr Azhar Ali said: "I was part of the campaign last year which backed banning high-energy drinks for children.

"These drinks cause children to be disruptive in the classroom.

"They are also addictive drinks, so I would welcome these proposals by the supermarkets and hope more follow suit."

Oliver King, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi, said: “We are introducing this age restriction in response to growing concern about the consumption of energy drinks among young people.”

Andrew Murray, Asda’s chief customer officer, said: “We take our responsibilities as a retailer seriously and work hard to ensure we get the balance right between offering choice and doing the right thing.

“We have listened to our customers and want to take a leading position in this area to support parents and teachers in limiting young peoples’ access to high caffeine drinks.”

Theresa May has said the Government will continue to look at the evidence on high-energy drinks after a Tory MP called for their sale to be banned to under-16s.

The Prime Minister said she was aware drinks high in sugar can be damaging to children’s health, adding that the Government was supporting schools and parents to make healthier choices.