A CAMPAIGN to encourage youngsters to turn their back on drugs has been hailed a major success.

Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy launched the initiative earlier this year, setting up clubbing nights for under-17s in the town.

Events have been staged at the Atomic night club and have proved such a hit that the scheme is now being supported by the national drug education campaign, Talk to Frank.

Keith Dillon, of Darlington Community Safety Partnership, said: "We carried out research earlier in the year to find out what young people in Darlington wanted to do and how we could help.

"We found out that what they really wanted was somewhere they could meet up and listen to some of their favourite dance music.

"We have the full support of the council and the police authority and the youngsters have been very well behaved at every event we have held so far.

"There is no alcohol or drugs allowed at the event and anyone trying to get in under the influence of drink or drugs is of course refused entry."

The partnership's early intervention team works closely with the youngsters to prevent them getting involved in drugs or other criminal activity.

Paul Hamilton, owner and manager of the boxing academy, said: "I talk to the youngsters as much as possible about martial arts and boxing and many of them have come along to the academy as a result and are interested in taking up a new sport which is really positive.

"Now Talk to Frank is on board we can also offer an advice service to young people too."

The next club night is on Wednesday, December 15, from 7pm until 10pm at Atomic.

Tickets costs £5 and are available from the Dolphin Centre and the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy, or by calling (01325) 388410 or (01325) 369655.