TEENAGERS leaving school in the coming weeks have been warned to celebrate sensibly - or find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

Police have launched Operation Key Largo in a bid to tackle street drinking and anti-social behaviour which has occurred on previous years when year 11 pupils complete their exams and finish school.

As well as increasing patrols, they are asking parents to help ensure their children are celebrating in a safe environment, and to refrain from buying alcohol for young people.

The operation came as problems with school leavers were reported in the Hurworth and Croft-on-Tees areas yesterday afternoon.

Although police were unable to confirm anything, a local resident said he had heard reports of anti-social behaviour and said the riverside had to be cleared of bottles and cans of alcohol.

Last year, in the West End area of Darlington, officers confiscated more than 50 bottles of wine and cider, and more than 80 cans of lager.

Anticipated problem dates this year were yesterday, this coming Friday (May 20), Thursday, May 26, and Friday, May 27.

Police say previous problems have been caused by students from a number of secondary schools in the town, not just one or two.

Police are also linking up with Darlington Borough Council's anti-social behaviour team to provide a place of safety, where young people found to be drunk or involved in rowdy behaviour can be escorted and spoken to in front of their parents.

Police Community Support Officer Liam Robertson said: "Any youths we find in possession of alcohol will have their bottles and cans seized and disposed of. Their parents will also be contacted to collect them."

Bill Dixon, incoming council leader, said: "This initiative has been run successfully on previous years, so we know it is very effective. Without this initiative, it would be a big problem.

"Young people involved in this behaviour need to be aware they will be caught and their parents will be informed.

"Parents should make sure they know where there children are and that theyre celebrating in a safe and appropriate place.

Did you see the incidents in Hurworth and Croft yesterday? Call the newsdesk on 01325-505065 or email newsdesk@nne.co.uk