Tactics employed by a North-East police force to ensure there was no violence at Wednesday's England match could become a blueprint for forces across the country.

A huge presence of more than 500 Cleveland Police officers meant the atmosphere remained jovial despite fears of trouble from hooligans travelling to Middlesbrough to start fights.

Behind the scenes there was a raft of measures specifically designed to nip any potential problems in the bud.

For the first time the hi-tech automatic number plate recognition system was used to identify known trouble-makers travelling by car.

The movements of police spotters working in the crowds were tracked by satellite technology and intelligence gathered was flagged up on large scale computer screens.

Deputy Chief Constable Ron Hogg said: "Officers from the National Crime Intelligence Service, who are at every England match, described the intelligence we operated as the best they had ever seen.

"They were impressed by the thoroughness and the planning. Certainly the operation our officers conducted was one of the most professional I have ever seen.

"We had officers from other forces watching and a lot of the innovative work carried out in Cleveland could become a blueprint for others. A lot of good practice has come out of this."

Although 35,000 people were at the Riverside Stadium just 20 arrests for were made, either at the ground or in the town centre.

Most were for drunkenness but one man was arrested for touting tickets and possessing class A drugs.

The whole policing operation cost £360,000 but under current regulations the Football Association is only obliged to pay costs in the ground and around the stadium. Their offer so far is £46,000, which includes the payment for the signs and the stewards provided.

Cleveland Police is hoping to get a £20,000 grant from the Home Office.

Mr Hogg said the bill may sound a lot but reminded people how the game gave Middlesbrough a window to the world and a short-term boost to businesses in the town.

He added: "This has put the North-East back on the map for all the right reasons.

"It was a major success for the force and Middlesbrough and it means the Riverside will always have the potential for other internationals."