, left, Bradshaw and operations manager Brian Campey

HUNDREDS of litres of alcohol confiscated from underage drinkers will be put to good use – raising money for a local hospice.

Throughout the summer holidays, police in Darlington organised Operation Summer Nights to combat unruly behaviour due to alcohol.

The campaign resulted in more than 200 cans of beer and more than 50 bottles of alcohol being confiscated.

However, rather than dispose of the booze down a drain, police decided to donate it to St Teresa’s Hospice in Darlington.

The drinks will be used to raise money in raffles and tombolas and will also be drunk by residents.

Sergeant Mark Ralphs, the neighbourhood beat sergeant for Darlington police, said: “We had a discussion among ourselves to see if there was a better way to do something with the alcohol, so we approached the hospice to see if they could use it in any way.

“The Summer Nights campaign had a big impact on anti-social behaviour in and around the school holidays and it’s good that now some more good can come of it.

“Now that we’ve started and found somewhere for the alcohol, we can look at using it for good causes, rather than tipping it away.”

Hospice director Jane Bradshaw said she was delighted at the donation.

She said: “We absolutely applaud this campaign.

“We think the police have done an amazing job in Darlington and their support is much appreciated.

“We have our annual ball coming up soon and we give away more than 300 prizes and try to raise more than £10,000, so a lot of the drinks will go there.

“It’s possible that we will keep some small items in stock for refreshments for the hospice. A lot of our patients like to have a little drink before meals and at the hospice we try and provide every possible home comfort.”

Throughout the Summer Nights campaign, police reported a 28 per cent drop in anti-social behaviour. The campaign diverted youngsters away from alcohol by providing other activities for them.

It is hoped a similar campaign can be organised for the autumn and winter months.

* Also Pictured are uniformed warden Matt Williams, left, hospice director Jane Bradshaw and operations manager Brian Campey.