A LEISURE boss is helping police put drug dealers behind bars.

Cleveland Police said that a partnership with the Tall Trees country club "has resulted in several decent prison sentences for dealers".

Inspector Colin White said: "We have made between 20 and 30 arrests for drug-related offences."

"Significant" prison sentences had been handed down by judges in three cases in the past few months.

He said the success could be used as a model for other areas to follow.

The complex is owned by Javid Majid, whose security manager is a former detective superintendent with Cleveland Police, John Turner.

Mr Majid said: "My message is simple - please don't come to our place, you are not welcome and are only wasting your time, because you will only be refused entry.

"I do not - and will not - condone drug-taking. And I will always be on the forefront with this.

"We will never be able to eradicate drugs, but we can make it as difficult as possible for the wrongdoers.''

The club and radio station TFM pay for extra policing in the grounds of Tall Trees during the monthly junior disco nights and on weekend nights.