POLICE are to launch a crackdown on under-age drinking in St Helens town centre this weekend.

Operation Calm will take place between tomorrow evening (Friday) and the early hours of the following day and will see officers focusing their attention on the town centre's pubs and wine bars in search of under-age drinkers.

The operation will involve uniformed, CID, specials and, where necessary, traffic police officers. Merseyside Police spokesman, Mike Curtin, said: "We will be taking a pro-active approach with a highly visible police presence around the town. The licensing departments of both the police and St Helens Council will also be involved.

"The aim of the operation is to provide a safer environment for members of the St Helens communityand anyone caught serving alcohol to under-aged youths or drinking it will face prosecution."