A TEENAGER from Darlington is due to appear in court charged with 20 driving-related offences following an investigation into dirt bikes being ridden illegally across public footpaths and fields in the town.

Police arrested the 17-year-old on Friday and seized an off-road bike after information was received from members of the public.

He has been charged with offences including dangerous driving, failing to stop and driving without a licence, insurance or a helmet.

Sergeant Jonathan Malcolm, of the North Road Neighbourhood Team, said: “Riding a motorbike dangerously is a particular problem in Darlington.

“It’s great that they (the public) are contacting us and we’ve acted on that information.”

Darlington residents affected by nuisance off-road motorbike and quad bike riders are being urged to attend a meeting at Red Hall Community Centre’s World Café from 2pm until 4pm on Sunday, May 8.

Anyone with information about similar incidents across Darlington can contact Sgt Malcolm by calling 101 or by emailing asbbikes@durham.pnn.police.uk