The city's anti-social behaviour unit was set up in November 2004 and backed by Northumbria Police, victim support workers and housing chiefs.

Almost 80% of those initially warned about their behaviour improved before further action was needed.

The unit said the figure proved an early intervention approach worked.

Your Homes Newcastle, which manages the city's 32,000 council homes, said the focus of the unit was prevention and education as well as enforcement.

Legal action

Intervention letters are sent to those whose behaviour was causing a nuisance to others.

They were warned they could face legal action or eviction if it continued.

Of more than 1,300 people who received intervention letters, 1,086 changed their behaviour so that no further action has been required.

Only 12 tenants were evicted because of anti-social behaviour.

John Lee, chief executive of Your Homes Newcastle, said: "In its first year, the unit has developed an innovative way of working that is extremely effective in tackling anti-social behaviour.

"Whilst we are prepared to use the full force of the law as a last resort, it is far better for everyone to prevent behaviour becoming a serious problem in the first place."