THE first scheme aimed at stamping out anti-social behaviour in the North-East was formally launched in Middlesbrough yesterday.

The Acceptable Behaviour Campaign was launched by Cleveland Police in South Bank aimed at stopping would-be troublemakers before they become a real nuisance to their communities.

In the Langbaurgh police district, which covers Redcar and Cleveland, there were more than 11,000 calls to the police about anti-social or nuisance behaviour between February and November 2000 - more than a quarter of the calls taken.

The scheme involves warning letters being sent to youngsters' homes about their behaviour and could end with them being evicted or excluded from school if their behaviour persists.

It is being run in conjunction with a variety of partners and agencies, including Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.