POLICE are hoping to call last orders at a pub after officers found 40 underage youngsters at the bar - including a 12-year-old.

Gateshead Area Command is trying to revoke the licence of the Balmoral Pub, in Balmoral Drive, Felling, following the incident last month.

During the time officers were at the pub, another 100 youngsters were turned away from a rave taking place there.

Nicole Theobald, licensing officer at Gateshead Council, said: "We have had concerns over the way this pub was being run and we have received a number of complaints.

"Concerns have also been raised by the local community about youth disorder in the area.

"When we looked at the situation closely, we found this particular premises was contributing to the situation.

"On this night, we found serious breaches of the licensing act involving young people.

"This event attracted a large number of underage youths - both boys and girls - and there were various licensing breaches. All this while, the licensee was on holiday in Tenerife."

She said: "There was a substantial amount of alcohol in the pub on the night and this is the second incident involving underage youths at the pub."

Chief Inspector Mick Wilkinson said: "We are aware that the new licensing legislation allows for more freedom and flexibility, but we do have a responsibility for the safety of all those who live, work and visit Gateshead."

Solicitor Peter Maughan, acting for the licensee, Julia Summers, said: "My client was not in the country when these alleged matters happened. She has done nothing wrong and discharged all of her legal responsibilities."