ORGANISERS of a major event encouraging teenagers in Darlington to say no to drugs have issued a warning after scores of invalid tickets were sold.

The Muaythai Against Drugs initiative, backed by Darlington Boxing and Martial Academy, was launched last year and has proved a big success with youngsters.

The campaign is hosting its biggest dance event yet at the Atomic nightclub, in Blackwellgate, on Wednesday.

But organisers are concerned that many youngsters may have unwittingly bought counterfeit tickets for the night.

Paul Hamilton, of the boxing club, said: "Someone has been copying the tickets and we need to let people know that if they have not bought a ticket from the Dolphin Centre or the martial arts academy, they may have a dodgy ticket."

Mr Hamilton said it was thought that tickets had been copied and were being sold around the town at half the price, despite the event being sold out.

"It's a big problem for us because if the kids are going to do this, it's not worth our while putting the events on," he said.

"We are giving them a really good dance night and one or two are causing problems.

"It's a matter of health and safety that we get the right number of kids turning up."

Police have been asked to investigate how the situation has arisen, but organisers are keen to stress that they will be able to determine which tickets are valid.

Mr Hamilton said: "I would say that if anyone is not sure, they should come to the martial arts academy, at Portland Place, and we'll check their tickets for them."

The event at Atomic features leading DJs and is open to youngsters aged 13 to 17. It runs from 7pm to 10pm.

The initiative has proved popular in recent months, with a series of dance nights. The campaign aims to encourage teenagers to stay away from drugs and get more involved in sports.