A LICENSEE network that aims to keep a town's pub and club circuit safe is being extended to cover surrounding villages.

Organisers of Spennymoor Pub and Club Watch hope landlords from Kirk Merrington, Byers Green and Tudhoe will enrol in the scheme.

The partnership between Spennymoor pub and club bosses, police and Sedgefield Borough Council is being expanded after five successful years.

Spennymoor Pub and Club Watch is also linking up with the police's nationwide Nightsafe Campaign, which aims to stamp out alcohol-fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour.

Scheme chairman Colin Fletcher, of the Cube nightclub, said: "It is exciting to have come this far and see that it is going to progress to being a better organised and more professional group.

"I have no doubt this will create a much safer and social environment for everyone to enjoy.

"We have around 12 members at the moment and hope to have about 20 licensees involved."

He said that by joining forces with the national initiative and working closely with neighbouring schemes, the consequences for unruly drinkers will be far-reaching.

Mr Fletcher said: "People could find themselves banned from Bishop Auckland and Darlington after being dealt with by our group. It will act as a greater deterrent and not just move the problem around."

Sergeant Iain Rodgers, of Spennymoor community beat team, said: "This is a very practical example of partnership working.

"The police and licensees through Pub Watch can protect themselves and their customers against the small minority of people who are intent on spoiling what should simply be a good and safe night out."

The group meets regularly and acts as a forum for sharing ideas and considers how to deal with disruptive customers, from issuing a caution to a complete ban.

Most recently, the group banned four people, who became involved in a brawl in the High Street after leaving licensed premises, from all member outlets.

Photographs and details of the group, who are being investigated by police, will be circulated to all licensees to ensure they are not served.