A TESCO store has been banned from selling alcohol for three months over concerns that it is selling to underage drinkers.

The Tesco Express, in Allington, near Maidstone, had its licence suspended for three months by Maidstone Borough Council's licensing committee on Friday.

Police said several test shoppers, who were under 18, had been able to purchase alcohol from the store.

The ban is for the maximum period that the council has the power to impose.

Police and local authorities in Maidstone are calling the suspension a "major result".

Barbara Murray, licensing officer for Maidstone police, said: "We have had concerns about this particular store for some time.

"After failing two test purchase trials, I demanded a review of their licence and we are delighted with this outcome."

Ch Insp Ian Hall added: "Irrespective of the size of the retail outlet, if we receive information from the community regarding offences of this nature, we will seek to investigate the matter thoroughly."

The licensing committee heard that Tesco had put signs warning against the sale of alcohol to underage customers throughout the shopfront and staff areas in an attempt to stamp out the problem.