PUBS and clubs across the region closed their doors early on the first night of new 24-hour drinking laws.

Fears that extended hours would cause drink-fuelled violence to increase have so far proved unfounded, with some describing Thursday's law change a damp squib.

Although many premises were legally allowed to stay open into the early hours of Friday, many closed as normal because there was no demand.

In Darlington, The Northern Echo joined the town's police on patrol - but the only movement on the streets beyond midnight were a few drinkers dribbling into Escapade nightclub and plastic bags gusting across High Row in the wintry weather.

Escapade had 500 people through the doors - the same as an ordinary Thursday - but the club was gearing up for extended hours last night (until 3am this morning) and tonight (until 4am tomorrow).

Darlington's Pub Watch radios were quiet until midnight, when door supervisors across the town filled the airwaves saying goodnight.

The first call over the police radios to a licensed premises came at 12.30am - a minor assault outside Escapade and nothing out of the ordinary.

John Hall, manager of bars Aruba and Route 66, said both were closing earlier than their new extended hours permitted.

"It has been a quiet night but that is probably because of the weather," he said.

PC Paul Foley, Darlington town centre beat officer, said: "It seemed very quiet, perhaps they are saving themselves for the weekend."

A group of military police joined Darlington police patrolling the town last night, and they will be patrolling with them again today.

Cleveland Police said it had been a very quiet night and four premises in Middlesbrough, which could have stayed open until 4am, closed at their normal times.

"Looks like the weather was driving them away, but who knows what will happen this weekend?" said a spokesman.

North Yorkshire Police reported there had been fewer arrests on the first official day of 24-hour drinking than during the previous evening.