A PRIVATELY-funded police initiative to combat trouble caused by late-night revellers is launched in Stockton and Yarm tonight.

Operation Tranquility will see extra officers drafted in to support town centre pubs, clubs and food takeaways at weekends.

An additional sergeant and four officers will operate in Stockton from 10pm-3am on Friday and Saturday nights, and from 10pm-1am on Sundays.

Yarm will have two extra officers in the town centre, and two working with the Tall Trees night club.

More than 20 venues have joined the initiative and will pay for the extra policing on a pro-rata basis, depending on size of premises and opening times.

Chief Insp Mick Williams, of Stockton police, said venues which had signed up to Tranquility would have direct access to a police officer, rather than having to go through the control room.

He added: "The officers will make regular visits to the premises, building relationships with staff and reinforcing the message to the public that the police are working with the clubs, pubs and takeaways to reduce anti-social behaviour."

Steve Huxtable, licensee of the Zanzibar Club in Stockton, said: "We fully support the paid-for police incentive, as it will create a safer environment in Stockton High Street and, we hope, encourage more people to visit."

Alistair Powell, owner of The Keys, in Yarm, said: "We are pleased to be involved with Tranquility, as it demonstrates our commitment to the local community as responsible operators.

"We realise it is essential to run a trouble-free venue in order to maintain harmony with residents, both in the immediate locality of The Keys and also in Yarm in general.

"We believe this initiative will go a long way to achieving this goal.