The force said that it had made 208 arrests between Friday and Sunday for drunk and disorderly behaviour and public order offences.

It compares with an average 165 arrests at weekends since a force-wide campaign to tackle drunken disorder started.

Extended licensing hours came into force last week.

The force is also running its 'Don't spoil the party campaign' in the run up to the festive period as part of its 'Party's over' initiative.

Keep pressure on

Police arrested 58 people on Friday, 68 on Saturday and 82 on Sunday.

Northumbria Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "The arrests were higher than average but that's no surprise considering we had extra officers out targeting these particular offences.

"There were no serious incidents of disorder and it was very much policing as normal.

"But we do intend to keep the pressure on to make sure people comply with the law. This campaign will run right through the festive period."