Undercover teenagers in V Festival bar checks

Tens of thousands of people will descend on the Weston-Under-Lizard estate this year for the 18th annual event to see top acts including Beyonce and Kings of Leon.

Among them will be teenage volunteers and officers from Staffordshire Police going from bar to bar at the event, running from August 17 to 18, ensuring alcohol is not sold to those aged under 18.

Inspector Jared White, who leads the force's licensing unit, says the protection of young people is a key part of the work carried out by his department.

Underage volunteers working with the police are often used to check bars and off-licences do not serve those under 18.

"The protection of young people from alcohol is absolutely crucial," said Insp White.

"One of the main objectives of the licensing act is the protection of children, as we know alcohol and young people is a very difficult mix.

"First of all, young people drinking alcohol can cause various health issues. We've seen cases across the country where young people have got drunk and ended up injured or doing something silly.

"Alcohol can be very dangerous when you're over 18, but more so when you're under age.

"If a 14 or 15-year-old drinks half a bottle of cider they can quite often end up drunk and end up getting themselves into situations which could bring them to harm."

Organisers of the festival have been notified of the police crackdown and bar staff will have received training, including instructions on asking for ID from anyone who looks under 25.

Festival spokesperson Emma Elwood said: "V Festival fully supports the Staffordshire Police in their actions.

"We work closely with both them and our bars management company to try and ensure that alcoholic drinks are not purchased by underage attendees to the festival.

"V Festival implements the Challenge 25 policy."