A campaign to highlight the problem of underage drinking has been launched by the Sidmouth Herald after a father told of his distress at having to deal with his comatose 14-year-old daughter after she drank neat vodka.

The father visited the Herald's High Street office after his daughter was rushed into hospital having drunk vodka bought for her by an adult, and the Archant-owned newspaper has now stepped in to try and halt the problem.

The Herald has designed and distributed posters which have been displayed by alcohol retailers reminding customers that it is a criminal offence to buy or supply alcohol for under-18s.

And the campaign has been enthusiastically backed by Sidmouth police officers who are cracking down on 'teeny drinkers' in the town and recently issued an on-the-spot fine for an 18-year-old caught buying alcohol for an underage drinker.

Emma Silverthorne, editor of the Archant South West weekly, said: "It is frustrating to think that adults are prepared to buy alcohol on behalf of youngsters.

"Despite the vigilance of retailers in Sidmouth in refusing underage customers, the sight of teenagers staggering around under the influence of alcohol will continue as long as irresponsible individuals supply them with drink.

"For this reason, the Herald, in conjunction with the police, is launching a campaign to stamp out the criminal offence of buying or supplying alcohol for under 18s in Sidmouth.

"We urge retailers to display posters specially designed to hit a nerve with potential offenders as they enter stores with the intention of buying alcohol on behalf of underage drinkers.

"This campaign is not an attempt to sensationalise a problem which, compared to many towns and inner city areas, is relatively minor, but to eradicate a menace before another youngster puts him or herself in danger by losing control through drinking."