The region's leading drug-busters are coming together in a pioneering scheme to bring more dealers to justice.

The hand-picked police team, named the Regional Drugs Intelligence Unit, will be tasked to monitor street trends and gather intelligence on dealer networks across the North-East.

The five-strong unit, the first of its kind in the country, will be based in Durham and staffed by specialists drawn from the Durham, Cleveland and Northumbria forces, supported by officials from the Government Office North East.

Superintendent Barry Peart, of Durham Constabulary, is putting together the team. He said: "The unit's main role will be to provide the widest possible up-to-date picture of drug taking and drug dealing networks across the region.

"An improved understanding will mean every organisation involved will be better able to do their job in tackling the huge problem facing us all."

The team will include a senior detective, three analysts and a researcher and is due to start work this autumn. Operating from offices in Durham Police Headquarters, it will source information from police and organisations such as health and education bodies, local authorities, charities and drug action teams across the North-East.

"The unit will look at trends across the region and examine drug-related issues as they affect the police, health, education and other agencies involved in this work," said Supt Peart.

"The analysts will examine and collate information while the researcher will try to thread together the different elements of that analysis.

"If council refuse collectors are coming across needles and other paraphernalia that is good intelligence about the activity of drug addicts and drug dealing in a particular area. Community workers dealing with drug issues on a daily basis may also be able to help pinpoint trends and developments.

"Providing intelligence to assist in arresting and disrupting drug dealers will only be one aspect of the unit's work, however. "Providing information that will enhance treatment, support and education will be equally important."

The unique project has secured a grant of £400,000 from the Home Office - guaranteeing its future for the next two years.