A DISCO to keep bored youngsters off the streets has proved such a hit that organisers have had to increase the number of nights it takes place.

Young people in the Whitehills area of Chester-le-Street have been deprived of things to do for a long time, so committee members at the local social club decided it was time to take them off the streets.

The first Tuesday night disco last month at the Whitehills Club attracted about 90 youngsters, but numbers have grown since then.

Now the event attracts about 150 under-18s, with youngsters queuing round the block for up to an hour.

Committee member Michael Watson has been surprised at the success.

He said: "The response has been unbelievable. It just proves how little there was to do for kids before.

"It has grown every week, and it now seems to be the biggest event in the area.

"Police are delighted because they know where most of the local youngsters are on a Tuesday.

"Parents are also happy because they know what their bairns are up to."

The discos, from 6.30pm to 9.45pm, have proved so popular that organisers plan to introduce an extra disco on Fridays later this month.

Youngsters pay £1 to get in, and any found misbehaving will be put in a "sin bin" until they calm down.