THREE people involved in the widespread supply and use of Ecstasy at a popular North-East nightclub were given custodial sentences yesterday.

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 houses in the Consett area of County Durham last May, following a police undercover 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.

James Adkin, prosecuting, said 24-year-old Alan Metcalfe was twice seen "restocking" 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, 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 and was his girlfriend at the time. When questioned, she said she did not profit from her activities.

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

He said the incident 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.

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.