EXTRA police stations had to be opened in part of the North at the weekend because of the number of people arrested for drink-related incidents.

North Yorkshire Police said their cells were overflowing as a result of a busy weekend.

The force was one of more than 180 throughout the country taking part in a pre-Christmas blitz on binge drinkers and anti-social behaviour.

Officers were briefed to use powers to issue fines for buying and selling alcohol to under-18s and give increased penalties to people arrested for drunk and disorderly behaviour.

In North Yorkshire, police stations in Richmond and Selby were opened to cope with detainees.

Inspector Michael Thompson said: "They were both opened this weekend because of the number of prisoners.

"That is an indication of how busy we were. We are not normally forced to open two additional stations."

In contrast, three police forces in the North-East reported a far quieter weekend than expected in city and town centres. Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria Police said the weekend had been no busier than normal.

* A man hurt during a fight on Friday night has undergone surgery. Police were called to the upstairs Bar 44 in Westgate, Guisborough, east Cleveland, at about 11pm after a number of people were injured.

A local man is helping police with inquiries. Anyone who was injured or who has information is asked to call (01642) 302640.