A DISCO designed to keep youths off the streets of Darlington descended into "bedlam" last night.

Hundreds of youngsters, some drunk, tried to force their way into the Dolphin Centre after they were turned away from the event, which was organised by the police and borough council's Community Safety Partnership.

Officers were called in to stop at least 200 youngsters getting into the Central Hall after it reached its capacity of 400 at about 7.30pm.

A police loudspeaker ordered those queuing outside to disperse, but many did not and were still hanging around the town centre hours later.

Sergeant Anthony McDougall, of Darlington police, said: "Initially it was bedlam. What we had was scores of people basically trying to force their way into the premises, with very little stewarding going on outside.

"We have had to utilise our officers to go and act as bouncers just to stop them all from getting in. The place was full to capacity. If they had all got in, there would have been a fire risk."

He said only six officers were needed to control the youths and no arrests were made.

He added: "Some of them were being cheeky, but eventually they got the message. We had one or two calls about them causing a nuisance."

Inspector Bill Bentham said the aim of the disco was to reduce the number of anti-social behaviour incidents across the town.

He said: "Unfortunately, the disco is a victim of its own success. We had 200 kids together and they were causing havoc.

"A lot of them had been drinking alcohol and all were trying to get into the Dolphin Centre.

"It has been too popular. Now, instead of travelling all over the town for youths causing annoyance, they are all in one place."

The disco was stopped by police at about 9.30pm when five youngsters reported being pricked with an implement.

Inspector Chris Reeves, head of the town's anti-social behaviour unit, said: "As soon as I heard that it was happening I decided enough was enough.

"The rumour is that it was a dart being used. The youngsters just felt something and were left with a tiny pin prick, but obviously they were very worried.

"We would appeal for any young people who were there and know anything to ring police on (01325) 467681."

He said the partnership would consider selling tickets for future events rather than having a pay-on-the-door system.

"We are looking at trying to learn lessons from it," he said.

"But I was encouraged by the fact that so many people attended. We didn't have any aggressive behaviour or anything like that, just 200 disappointed kids."