Shops in various parts of the Vale of Glamorgan have passed under-age sales tests, according to South Wales Police's Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan team.

Specifically, stores in Barry, Penarth, and Llantwit Major excelled in the recent checks conducted on August 14.

All eight of the visited premises refused to sell vape and alcohol products to the under-aged testers.

The operation, which aimed to ensure vendors complied with rules around age-restricted products, was executed with the assistance of Police Youth Volunteers (PYVs). These volunteers, aged between 14 and 18, are members of the police family, providing critical perspectives of younger individuals in society and actively contributing to their communities.

The PYV scheme is a UK-recognised initiative, despite not serving as a conduit for police recruitment.

Instead, its focus is mainly on developing a spirit of good citizenship among youngsters.

The scheme has a number of objectives ranging from encouraging volunteer-driven support for policing priorities, promoting a practical understanding of policing and inspiring active community participation. It also allows young people a chance to be heard.

Participation in the scheme is considered a valuable addition to CVs for future job applications or further education admissions.

Currently, South Wales Police is accepting expressions of interest from individuals aged between 13.5 and 17 residing within the force area to join PYV Hubs.

It must be noted that due to the scheme's popularity, a waiting period might be required to join.

PYV Hubs exist in Cardiff, Bridgend, Barry, Penarth, Swansea, Port Talbot, Neath, Cynon Valley, and Merthyr.

For more information about the PYV scheme, interested parties are encouraged to contact policeyouthvolunteer@south-wales.police.uk.

South Wales Police is eager to understand and respond to community needs, by inviting a diverse range of candidates to join the policing family.