POLICE helped launch a Pubwatch scheme at the region's biggest shopping centre.

Officers at Gateshead West Area Command, based at the MetroCentre, working with Capital Shopping Centres, have introduced a scheme for the complex's four pubs.

Sergeant Alan Parks, who heads the centre's police unit, said: " This scheme will operate along the same lines as the safer shopping scheme and will make the pubs here no-go areas for any troublemakers."

Ron Woodman, MetroCentre general manager, said: "Incidents involving troublemakers are very rare in MetroCentre licensed premises.

"The Pubwatch scheme will ensure that any potential problems can be identified and dealt with quickly."