A drugs intervention team has been set up on Teesside.

Members of the national organisation Lifeline have been appointed by Middlesbrough Council to work with youngsters involved in, or at risk of, alcohol, substance and drug abuse.

The team will work to reach youngsters at risk before they are caught in a downward spiral of substance misuse, crime and anti social behaviour.

Teachers and youth workers will also be trained in spotting signs indicating youngsters who are vulnerable.

The Eclypse prevention service has been working for six weeks, sharing office space with another agency.

A proposal to rent an office in the town's Brentnall Street will be discussed by Middlesbrough Council's executive later this week.

It has been confirmed that plans to run a drop-in centre from the address have been scrapped in the face of opposition from neighbouring businesses.

Harriet Booth, council spokeswoman for the project, said: "In view of the legitimate concerns and misgivings of surrounding businesses we have made this concession that the premises would just be used as a staff base and training centre for professionals.''

A telephone hotline would operate from the building, but work with young people and their parents or carers would be carried out on an outreach basis.

The scheme is in response to Government demands for a national drugs strategy.

Middlesbrough already has a Drug Action Team but members of its staff recognised as essential the need to strengthen prevention and early intervention services for young people in the town.