YOUNG binge drinkers are being targeted in a campaign launched in Wear Valley and Teesdale this week.

It is hoped that the Nightsafe Campaign will bring an end to anti-social behaviour and alcohol fuelled violence in town centres.

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

Crook-based community police inspector George Ledger said: "Those people 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."

Insp Ledger was joined by police officers from Crook, Bishop Auckland and Teesdale, at the campaign launch in Bar 56, Crook.

Representatives from the Wear and Tees Crime Reduction Partnership and Wear Valley District Council licensing department are also supporting the campaign, which is in line with Durham Police Constabulary's StreetSafe initiative.

Members of PubWatch schemes in Crook, Weardale, Willington, Bishop Auckland and Teesdale and the Wear Valley Taxi Association also attended the launch.

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

Taxi firms will also display the posters and the image will be used on beer mats.

In the second phase of the campaign, police will work with the seven schools in Weardale and Teesdale.

Insp Ledger said: "We will be working with teachers to develop an educational package.

"We aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and alcohol-fuelled violence and improve the quality of life for all people in the town.

"We also want to ensure those people consuming alcohol in licensed premises can do so in a safe, pleasant environment."