POLICE have launched a crackdown on rogue motor-cyclists to co-incide with school half-term holiday.

Officers from Durham Constabulary's motorcycle section will be riding around the force area looking for children and adults causing a nuisance on off-road bikes.

Particular attention will be paid to sites where residents have complained repeatedly about the problem, including areas in Darlington, Crook, West Auckland, Coundon, Consett and Stanley.

Police will also be focusing on the Crow Trees nature reserve in Quarrington Hill, the Jubilee Bridge picnic site in Willington, Sherburn Hill, Belmont and Waldridge.

The campaign is aimed at reducing complaints about excessive noise and disruption, as well as preventing environmental damage, especially to designated sites of scientific interest.

In addition to nuisance riders, police will target those not wearing the correct safety clothing and those using stolen or poorly maintained bikes.

Sergeant Bob Brown, head of the force motorcycle section, said: "There is also an issue regarding the land these bikers are tending to use.

"Many of them might think they are out in the middle of nowhere, but they still need the permission of whoever owns that land.

"The types of field or trials bikes being used are often very powerful and can go very fast.

"While we recognise that there are genuine off-road enthusiasts, they must still respect others and not cause damage to wildlife or the environment."

The force is planning similar campaigns throughout the summer.