A BAN on outdoor drinking is extended today to crack down on alcohol-related trouble.

Drinking in Sunderland city centre and the seafront has been banned for several years, but other areas have now become no-go zones.

Offenders face arrest and a £500 fine if they ignore a police officer's warning to stop drinking.

The ban now includes all parks, playgrounds and cemeteries, an area surrounding the Stadium of Light, and parts of Hendon, Grangetown and Washington Village.

Warning signs have been put up in areas affected.

Northumbria Police said the extended ban would help officers reduce drink-related problems across the city.

Council leader Councillor Bob Symonds, who chairs the Sunderland Community Safety Partnership, said: "The city council and its partners in the Community Safety Partnership are pleased to endorse these new measures, which we hope will result in an improved quality of life for residents.

"I am confident these powers will support our local police officers in the sometimes difficult job they have in dealing with drink-related crime and public disorder.''