POLICE in Newton Aycliffe have been confiscating alcohol from youngsters in operations to combat underage drinking.

The initiative is a direct response to the growing problem of teenagers hanging on street corners and congregating in parks in the town.

Operation Marathas was launched in May and ran for a month, but police have continued to target hotspots in the town.

Sergeant Ed Turner said: "During that time we've seized a lot of alcohol from kids. We've confiscated it off them and kept it and we're going to destroy it.

"The main problem areas have been Washington Crescent and Moore Lane where we've had groups in excess of 100 roaming around.

"Whenever we seize the alcohol we take names and addresses and we've sent a total of 70 letters out to parents."

More than 200 items have been seized, which includes cans, alcopops and bottles of wine. The initiative was such a success that police have decided to repeat it with Operation Purple, which has been running since the start of the new school term.

Councillor Alan Gray said: "I warmly welcome the police initiative of repeating the operation to target underage drinkers.

"It is a well established problem, not just in Newton Aycliffe, but across the borough and the country.

"I support and fully endorse the police's actions, which is as a result of pressure from councillors and the public, who have been concerned about this particular problem for some time."

Sgt Turner said off-licenses had been supportive of the operations, but warned that they would be dealt with if they were found to be selling alcohol to minors.

People who know of problem spots in the town are asked to call police, on (01325) 314401.