ROWDY behaviour in a Darlington village was the result of incoming youths, a headteacher has said.

On Friday, there were a number of reports of anti-social behaviour in Croft and Hurworth.

The rowdy behaviour is believed to have involved drinking and fighting.

However, yesterday, the headteacher of Hurworth school, Dean Judson, said the problems were caused by youths coming into the village.

He said: "The Year 11s left on Friday and that attracted a group of other youths who weren't members of our school.

"Our children weren't involved I spoke to police who confirmed that.

"I think people heard there was a leaving do and decided to come up to it."

The incidents in Hurworth and Croft came as Darlington police launched Operation Key Largo to cut down on drinking and anti-social behaviour by school leavers.