A 16-YEAR-OLD youth has been charged with cultivating cannabis after police seized 1,000 plants during a raid on the Beechwood estate last week.

Acting on information from the public, officers searched a house in Arley Close last Thursday and found the plants growing in the downstairs living room and front and back bedrooms.

Sophisticated hydroponics equipment - including lights and a ventilation system - was also found in each room.

The youth was arrested and later charged with the cultivation of cannabis. He appeared before Birkenhead Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning and officers carried out house-to-house inquiries.

Following the raid, neighbourhood Inspector Mark Smith told the Globe: "Police officers have acted on information given to them by members of the local community and it has resulted in a significant seizure of cannabis.

"I would encourage members of the public to continue to provide us with information. Merseyside Police is committed to controlling drug offences and taking action against those whose activities make the lives of the community a misery."

If anyone has information about drugs, they should contact Crimestoppers, in strictest confidence, on 0800 555 111