A partnership between the police and a local publican is being launched next week to tackle the problems of youth boredom.

Bishop Auckland Police and Sylvia Shaw, landlady of the Queen's Head, in the town, will be holding discos for young people at her pub, aimed at providing fun in a safe environment.

The partnership follows successful schemes in other parts of County Durham, and is targeting the 12 to 17-year-old age group.

The Queen's Head under-18s disco will be held fortnightly from Thursday of next week, with the aim of expanding the venture if it proves successful.

Sergeant Mick Hutchinson, who works in community safety at Bishop Auckland Police, said: "Time and time again young people complain that there's nothing to do and nowhere to go. This event will provide them with somewhere to go and enjoy themselves, in a safe environment.

"Our ultimate aim in this is to try to reduce some of the police calls we get over nuisance behaviour.

"It is also educating them how to conduct themselves when they go out in the future. The success of the scheme will rest upon the young people themselves, but if it is, we will also be looking at other partner services such as the Galaxy FM radio roadshows."

The disco will operate a strict no alcohol policy and there will be bouncers on the door, like any other busy town club or pub.

Landlady Sylvia Shaw said the police had approached her in November about setting up the event, and she was delighted to oblige.

"I go home every night and see groups of kids hanging around, and there's nothing for them to do. They're just bored," she said.

"The disco will be somewhere they can go and relax in a grown-up environment. They can come here with their friends and enjoy themselves in safety.

"It is to help the kids really. I think they do need to be treated as adults. The success of it depends on them."

The discos will run from 6.30pm to 10pm. Admission will be £2 on the door.