A campaign to crack down on drug dealers in a North-East town has moved into pubs and clubs.

About 10,000 beer mats have been produced with the Rat on a Rat logo emblazoned on them and are being distributed throughout Darlington.

The initiative, which encourages residents to inform on dealers, was launched this week.

A publicity campaign, which is backed by The Northern Echo, includes posters on dozens of Stagecoach buses and is now being widened to drinking establishments.

Sergeant Paul Robinson, of the Community Against Drugs initiative, said yesterday: "This is to reinforce the message that we are looking to tackle the issues surrounding drugs.

"We are aware that there are young people who frequent both pubs and clubs who themselves do use controlled drugs.

"And both pubs and clubs are an ideal way for dealers to get in contact with young people.

"By putting the beer mats out we are trying to bring to people's attention the fact that drugs are a problem, they do wreck lives, and there may be people present in these environments who do deal in drugs."

The beer mats will be distributed over the next two weeks, starting in the town centre area.

Sgt Robinson said: "We have the Pub Watch scheme in the town and the licensees are aware of the Rat on a Rat campaign and have been very supportive.

"They accept that drugs are an issue among young people and they see this as playing a part in tackling the problem."

People can help police tackle the dealers by phoning the freephone Crimestoppers number, on 0800 555111.

They do not have to give their name.