FOOTBALL fans around the region behaved themselves despite England's exit from the World Cup.

Despite fears of drunken violence following the match against Brazil, police forces around the North-East and North Yorkshire reported few incidents on Friday night.

Many people had started drinking at 7am in time for Friday's kick-off and there had been concerns that large quantities of alcohol combined with the defeat could have led to trouble.

In Newcastle, Durham City and Middlesbrough, police reported no more trouble than any other Friday night.

Although there were a few minor incidents during the day in Hartlepool, there were no large scale disturbances.

A spokesman for Darlington police said extra officers had been drafted in in case there was any trouble but the town had remained relatively empty throughout the day and night.

He said: "It seems the combination of early drinking and the defeat made most people stay at home."