THREE youths will be served with "acceptable behaviour contracts" in the police force's bid to combat anti-social behaviour in Shildon.

It is the first time that the contracts have been used in the town.

Police officers warn if the contracts are not taken seriously they will be followed by anti-social behaviour orders.

A panel of professionals, which includes social workers, police officers, health workers, representatives of Sedgefield Borough Council and education welfare officers agreed that the behaviour of the three youths was serious enough to serve them with the contracts, which provide a list of dos and don'ts.

WPC Mandy Payne, from Shildon police, said: "I think these acceptable behaviour contracts will make a big impact on the town.

"Hopefully it will show the people of Shildon that we are taking the subject of anti-social behaviour seriously and it will also show offenders."