Supermarkets will help train other retailers as part of a "highly innovative" scheme that aims to curb underage drinking.

A campaign to tackle the problem in Scotland's capital was launched yesterday.

The East Edinburgh Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) aims to educate people about the impact of alcohol abuse.

Sainsbury's and Scotmid Co-operative have agreed to train other licensed stores on responsible selling practices as part of the scheme, which will also include alcohol education seminars for children and their parents.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said the initiative would "undoubtedly play a huge part in tackling underage drinking and anti-social behaviour".

One priority is to reduce opportunities for under-18s to buy alcohol. The City of Edinburgh Council, trading standards and Police Scotland are working with retailers, schools and youth groups to examine the issue.

Miles Beale, chief executive of CAP, said: "Locally-tailored partnerships, which recognise that retailers and licensees are an important part of the solution, have been shown to be effective in driving down harm. I am delighted at the launch of a flagship CAP for Scotland in East Edinburgh. "

Mr MacAskill said: "The work of the East Edinburgh CAP will undoubtedly play a huge part in tackling underage drinking and anti-social behaviour. Alcohol misuse is a scourge on communities and costs Scotland £3.6 billion a year."

John Lee, of the Scottish Grocers' Federation, said: "What makes CAP so effective is that it puts retailers at the heart of the partnership and sees them as part of the solution."