Police who seized a gang's supply of alcohol have warned they will not tolerate under-age drinking.

They pounced on the large group which had gathered at the Barlow Institute, Edgworth, and recovered two cases of strong lager plus red wine, cider and vodka.

One boy was so drunk he could not run away with his friends when the police arrived and was escorted home to his parents in a police car.

North Turton ward councillor Jean Rigby said under-age drinking at the Barlow Institute was a long- running problem and urged more prevention.

She said: "They have ruined the veranda at the Barlow Institute. It used to be lovely. There is always drinks paraphernalia around there. I'm shocked that they are drinking such hard alcohol at their early age. What could it lead to?

"I'm very pleased the police are cracking down. I would like to see more prevention work being done in the community.

"We need to get to under-age drinkers before they start. I'm worried about the health of the youngsters."

The latest drinks haul at the weekend was part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the Darwen area.

Special Constable Kurt Harris appealed to parents in the village to pay close attention to the whereabouts of their children.

He said: "While the majority of teenagers in Darwen are very well behaved, a minority continue to ignore the law and drink alcohol while under-age and parents should be mindful as to where their children are spending their evenings. Under-age drinking is illegal and anti-social and can lead to juvenile nuisance and criminal damage.

"I can reassure the local community that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour.

"We will continue to confiscate alcohol from those who are found to be drinking under-age and work closely with Trading Standards to target alcohol supply."