A PUBLICAN has called on police and fellow landlords to unite to combat what he says is a growing drug culture among youngsters.

Chris Burns, secretary and former president of the Bishop Auckland and District Licensed Traders, says unless more is done to educate young people about the dangers of drugs, the problem will escalate.

Mr Burns, who is also a fellow of the British Institute of Innkeepers, is urging police and pub owners to make young people in Barnard Castle more aware of drugs and the effects they can have.

His call comes days after an 18-year-old from Barnard Castle was sentenced to three years' youth custody after he was found with more than 100 Ecstasy tablets.

Mr Burns wants police, publicans and schools to distribute posters and leaflets highlighting the dangers of drugs.

He bought the Castle Wall Wine Bar, in Barnard Castle, 18 months ago, after running a pub in Bishop Auckland for several years.

He said: "I'm not saying that drugs are rife in Barnard Castle, but I do feel that there are too many youngsters in the town who feel it is socially acceptable to take drugs after a night out.

"I have thrown a lot of youngsters out of my bar for using or trying to sell drugs since I took it on, and the worry is that other pub owners will turn a blind eye out of fear or ignorance."

Durham police spokesman Martin Wallwork said: "The scale of the problem in Barnard Castle is more or less what you would expect for a place that size, and we don't believe it has got significantly worse over the last year or so.

"Through Pubwatch we do have regular meetings with licensees who are involved in that scheme and regularly make them aware of drug related issues and how to combat them.

"But if Mr Burns does have information that is relevant we would welcome him getting in touch.