EAST Lancashire actor and Brookside star Steven Pinder is spearheading a campaign to cut solvent abuse, drinking and smoking among teenagers.

Whalley-born Steven, who plays Max Farnham in the television soap, officially launched the scheme yesterday on behalf of Cheshire County Council's Trading Standards officers.

The initiative aims to give 16 to 18-year-olds in Cheshire plastic cards showing their age and photograph.

Shops and other businesses can demand to see the cards as proof of age before selling the teenager age-restricted products or services, such as alcohol, cigarettes, body-piercing or tattooing.

Steven cut the ceremonial tape of a touring mobile unit which will be used to promote the scheme across Cheshire at yesterday's launch.

He used to live in Downham Avenue, Great Harwood, and attended Norden High School, Rishton. He took his first steps on stage with Blackburn Arts Club before moving to Manchester to join the Manchester Youth Theatre at the age of 17.