POLICE are launching a drive to reduce drink-fuelled violence and disorder across County Durham.

High-visibility street patrols and visits to pubs, nightclubs and off-licences will be made through the summer in the campaign which starts tomorrow. The drive, centred on Durham and Darlington, will also see test-purchases made at off-licences to check that under-18s are not being served.

The force is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour through its StreetSafe initiative and the campaign is part of a Government bid to change the country's drinking culture.

Chief Inspector Graham Hall, head of community justice for the south of the force, said in addition to Darlington, the campaign in the south would include Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Crook, Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor. He said: "Whilst Darlington has the largest concentration of alcohol outlets in the south, other smaller market and new towns have similar problems associated with violence and the night time economy.

"It is our intention throughout the campaign to concentrate our activities in these areas to promote a safer environment in which people can enjoy themselves without risk or fear of violence."