LICENCEES in east Cleveland are being encouraged to give punters lollipops at closing time in a scheme to try to prevent drunken street brawls.

Police have warned they are clamping down on drunkeness near pubs and clubs in east Cleveland and have ordered extra security cameras to cover Guisborough and Redcar town centres to gather evidence against those causing problems.

Inspector Dave Mead has also launched a poster campaign around the district to drive home the message that alcohol-fuelled street brawls result in a no-win situation for all involved.

The poster depicts a critically ill casualty lying injured on a hospital bed and a man in a prison cell.

Insp Mead said licencees and door staff had decided to adopt the idea of giving free lollipops to everyone leaving the pubs to initiate a feel-good factor in an effort to keep spirits high and tempers low.

"We want people to come into town and have a good time throughout the festive season," he said.

"This purge is aimed at the minority of people who come here to cause trouble. The additional security cameras and targeted patrols will ensure those coming here to cause trouble will be arrested."