Education about the dangers of alcohol is the key to reducing underage drinking, police and council officers have said.

As part of Operation Calibre, officers recently targeted young drinkers in Cassiobury Park and recovered dozens of cans and bottles, including a water bottle filled with vodka.

However, figures show antisocial behaviour has fallen "dramatically", with a ten per cent reduction year on year.

In fact, underage drinking is no greater an issue in the town than anywhere else, according to Jeffrey Lieb, the licensing manager for Watford Borough Council.

He said: "It's one of those issues where it's a persistent problem, but not a major problem. I don't think in Watford it's any worse than anywhere else but we have lots of off-licences.

"We get around one call a month. It's not a major problem but it's an issue."

Since licensing laws changed in 2005, greater emphasis has been put on local authorities to tackle underage sales of alcohol.

Trading standards officers conduct a number of test purchases among Watford's 90 off-licences each year. Nationally, the failure rate dropped to 20 per cent compared to 50 per cent last year.

Last month, three out of four off-licences tested in Watford sold alcohol to a 15 year old during a trading standards exercise. Punishments range from £80 fixed penalty notices to having their licence reviewed or revoked, but they cannot be named and shamed until they are charged.

Mr Lieb said: "Underage drinking is an issue for parents, retailers, teachers and everyone else to be aware of but not something to have a major panic over. When looking at the town centre, that's a different issue altogether. Pubs, clubs and door supervisors work together to do as much as possible. What the council is trying to create is a family friendly town centre."

Watford Neighbourhood Sergeant Jitu Davé, who took part in the last Operation Calibre exercise on May 9, agreed that underage drinking was not a huge problem, but encouraged friends and relatives to stop buying alcohol for under-18s.

He said: "It's a national problem. It's not just a problem in Watford.

"They somehow manage to get somebody to buy alcohol for them. Some people oblige, which is a mistake. Or else they get older friends.

"It's about educating people, both youngsters and off-licences, to ensure they don't break the law."

Presentations about alcohol licensing, Operation Calibre, test purchases and the launch of the Hertfordshire proof-of-age cards for young people will take place at a free public meeting at Beechen Grove Baptist Church, from 9am to 12pm on Thursday, June 12.

To book a place, telephone Watford Borough Council's licensing team on 01923 278503 or email licensing@watford.gov.uk.