OFF-licences caught selling alcohol to youngsters face closure as part of a police and council crackdown on drink-fuelled crime in Derwentside.

Chief Inspector David Hogg, of Durham Police, warned licensees that his force will be operating a "three strikes and out" policy.

The force is stepping upits undercover operations, during which supervised youngsters go into off-licences and ask for alcoholic drinks.

Under the crackdown, any premises caught out three times will lose its licence.

Chief Insp Hogg gave the warning at a meeting of licensees in Consett Civic Hall.

He said: "One of the biggest problems we have in the district is anti-social behaviour.

"A lot of the time, it is kids on the street who are drinking alcohol. We have to look at where they are getting it from."

Other measures outlined at the meeting included more uniformed police visiting pubs and clubs, and extra council inspections of venues that hold public entertainment licences.

The force is also setting up a team to patrol town centres on Fridays and Saturdays.

The licensees who attended the meeting welcomed the move.

David Cowperthwaite, of the Scotch Arms, Blackhill, Consett, said: "My place is pretty quiet, but we do get the odd little bit of trouble.

"I think the extra police visits are a good idea. It will be nice to have that presence for me and to reassure my customers."