THREE people involved in the 'widespread' supply and use of ecstasy at a Consett night club were given custodial sentences this week.

Two others involved in dealing the class A drug, including a primary school classroom assistant, were spared prison sentences at Durham Crown Court.

All five were arrested in raids at addresses in the Consett area last May following a police operation running several months at the town's Trades club.

The court was told undercover officers were readily supplied with the drug at £5 a tablet during a series of undercover visits by officers posing as customers.

James Adkin, prosecuting, said 24-year-old Alan Metcalfe was twice seen 're-stocking' those selling the drug in the club.

Others involved in the supply to the undercover officers were 20-year-old Mark Andrew Wilson, Leslie Philip Testo, 24, Jonathan William Stewart, 20, and 22-year-old Donna Dorritt.

Mr Adkin said Dorritt, a classroom assistant at Leadgate Junior and Infant School at the time, helped to supply the officers on seven occasions, involving 19 tablets.

She acted as a go-between, going off to collect the drugs and handing them over to the 'customers.'

Mr Adkin said she was arrested at Metcalfe's home, as she was his girlfriend at the time. When questioned she said she did not profit from her activities.

In mitigation Stephen Rich said she bitterly regrets her involvement, which arose through her 'naivety, foolishness and lack of experience.'

He said cost Dorritt her job, 'a vocation' for which she had qualifications.

Metcalfe, of Medomsley Road; Wilson, of Pixley Dell; Stewart, of Percy Terrace; Dorritt, of Aspen Court, and Testo, of Lambton Avenue, all Consett, each admitted being concerned in the supply of ecstasy.

Judge Tony Lancaster said: "It's clear to me there was a widespread use of ecstasy in this nightclub and the differing involvement of each of you is reflected in the sentences I pass."

Metcalfe was jailed for three-and-a-half years, added to six months re-call from a previous sentence. Testo was given two years in prison and Wilson was sent to a young offenders' institution for two years.

Stewart was ordered to carry out 200 hours' community punishment, while Dorritt was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order.

After the hearing Detective Sgt Paul D'Eath said: "We've worked with the management of the club to inject a positive drugs policy.

"People going there are subject to random searches. There are big signs at the entrance warning they may be subject of random searches. It's a condition of entry."

Chief Insp Dave Hogg said: "However, we are still working with management to try to eradicate the drugs problem as best we can."