A POLICE officer has gone back to school to teach youngsters how to avoid trouble on the dark winter nights.

Acting Sergeant Phil Kell has been giving advice on avoiding anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking to 1,000 pupils at Pelton Roseberry Comprehensive and Junior schools, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Acting Sgt Kell said: "Now that British summer time has ended and the evenings are becoming darker, we are taking steps to address the potential problem of youngsters hanging about in large groups making a nuisance of themselves.

"Officers will be carrying out regular checks at shops, particularly those which sell alcohol, and will take action against youths who are making a nuisance and have committed offences," he said