A CAMPAIGN to tackle under-age drinking and educate young people about safety has been launched in Malton.

Trading Standards, North Yorkshire Police, Ryedale District Councils Community Safety Team, North Yorkshire County Council youth support and professionals from the Cambridge Centre Drug and Alcohol Services took part in the Alcohol Respect Campaign in Malton Market Place on Saturday night.

The team handed out leaflets and giveaways bearing messages on alcohol harm and staying safe.

The campaign is in response to the growing number of sales of alcohol and age-restricted products to under-age people in Ryedale.

Safer Ryedale Partnership launched the Alcohol Respect campaign to compliment the Government’s national ‘No ID No Sale’ and ‘Challenge 21/25’ campaigns.

Inspector Andy Everitt of Ryedale police, said: “We will continue to educate people who are out in the night-time economy. This is extremely important and I will continue to do everything we can to minimise risk to people of assault – including sexual – either as a victim or as a potential offender.

“Personal safety including sexual health while out in the evening are key themes for me and the work around alcohol sales in on- and off-licensed premises impacts on this hugely.

“It still concerns me greatly at the inability of some of our young people to manage themselves safely while under the influence of alcohol.”

Derek Smith, head of consumer services for North Yorkshire Trading Standards, said: “The Alcohol Respect campaigns are all about partnership working aimed at tackling under-age drinking.

“Funding generated by Proceeds of Crime investigations following rogue traders is being used to cut down on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder by putting dedicated drugs and alcohol workers on the streets of Malton on Friday and Saturday nights.”