YOUNG binge drinkers are being targeted by a campaign launched in Wear Valley and Teesdale yesterday.

It is hoped that the Nightsafe Campaign will stamp out anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.

The initiative, part of a national campaign, aims to show young people how dangerous binge drinking is by demonstrating how people can react to too much alcohol and what the consequences are.

Crook-based community inspector George Ledger said: "Those who drink too much alcohol often find themselves in situations they would avoid if they were sober.

"In the case of young men, it tends to involve violence whereas young women take chances regarding their personal safety, making them vulnerable.''

Posters showing a picture of a young woman with the slogan 'I'd rather have a laugh with you than see you in stitches' will be displayed in schools, pubs and other venues where they will be seen by young people.

Local taxi firms will also display the image and the picture will be used on beer mats.

Police will also work with the seven schools in Weardale and Teesdale to get the message across in the classroom.

Insp Ledger said: "We will be working with headteachers and other teaching staff to develop an educational package to deliver in school.

"We aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence, thereby improving the quality of life for people in the town centres.

"Coupled with this, we want to ensure those people consuming alcohol in licensed premises can do so in a safe, pleasant environment."

Inspector Ledger was joined by police officers from Crook, Bishop Auckland and Teesdale at the launch in Bar 56, Crook, along with representatives from the Wear and Tees Crime Reduction Partnership and Wear Valley District Council licensing department. Members of PubWatch schemes in Crook, Weardale, Willington, Bishop Auckland and Teesdale and the Wear Valley Taxi Association also attended.