LOCAL Government Minister Hilary Armstrong has promised to investigate allegations that young offenders are running riot at a North-East training centre.

The move follows claims that up to three incidents a day are being reported at privately-run Hassockfield Secure Training Centre, Medomsley, near Consett.

Incidents allegedly range from verbal and physical assaults on staff to rooftop disturbances.

Police said they had been called to the centre, which holds 40 youths aged from 12 to 15, "quite frequently" in the past six months over a number of alleged offences, mostly assaults.

There are reports that more than half of the 120 staff, which includes teachers, nurses, social workers and care officers, have left the centre in the last year.

One allegation is that a teacher initially thought he had a broken neck after being attacked and caught in a headlock by a detainee. Another involves a female youth worker allegedly indecently assaulted by two detainees.

More than 600 incidents, from attacks on staff to swearing at officers, were recorded in the first six months after the centre opened in September 1999.

North West Durham MP Ms Armstrong said: "There were certain problems at the start which led to a revamped regime and a new principal, but I understand it has improved considerably.

"I will seek to find out the truth of the allegations. I will be talking to the Youth Justice Board and I will visit Hassockfield when I get the chance."

She said a recent social services inspectorate report found the centre had made 'good progress,' particularly over bullying.

But leader of Derwentside District Council, Alex Watson, branded it a 'college of crime.'

He said: "There's no discipline there, no respect. They get better treatment than anyone else in the community, they get their own dentists, doctors, teachers. They're living in perfect conditions. It's a holiday camp."

A police spokeswoman said: "We have regular dialogue with the management at Hassockfield, where we examine operating practices and review them."

Premier Prison Services, which runs the centre, declined to comment.