TIME is being called on drinking on Middlesbrough's town centre streets, in a bid to make the Teesside town more welcoming.

An alcohol-free zone, which has the full backing of Cleveland Police, comes into effect today and covers the Middlehaven, Gresham, Park and University wards of the town, which include the commercial town centre, adjacent residential areas and Albert Park.

Middlesbrough joins its neighbours in putting an end to drinking in the street.

Stockton town centre was one of the first in the UK to be declared an alcohol-free zone, in 1989, along with Billingham and Norton. Yarm and Thornaby followed in 1995.

A ban on drinking in public places is law in large parts of Hartlepool. Redcar could soon apply for similar status.

Police will have the power to ask someone drinking in a public place to stop. If they refuse, it is an arrestable offence with a £500 penalty.

Chief Inspector Andy McDye, of Cleveland Police, said: "We know that 99 per cent of the people who come to Middlesbrough to enjoy themselves do so without any bother - and they are always welcome.

"This sends a very clear message to the one per cent who come and cause trouble that we have the determination and the powers to deal with you."