FIGHTING yob culture with anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) is proving a success in the North-East, a conference heard yesterday.

The event, at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground, Chester-le-Street, looked at using a multi-agency approach to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Acting Inspector Brad Howe, of Durham Police's community safety department, said: "The feeling is that Asbos are there to be used and we are using them. But it is not a case of going for as many as we can. We have to use them where appropriate."

The conference was attended by police, councils, the Youth Engagement Service, Social Services and Probation Service.

"We would like to see intervention work prior to Asbos," said Acting Insp Howe. "In some cases, it is better to work through the probation and youth engagement services. Hopefully, this way we can get in at an early stage, before the situation requires an Asbo."

The event was organised by Strong, Healthy, Safe Communities, part of the County Durham Local Strategic Partnership.