Police on Wearside have set up a new club aimed at stopping teenagers from gathering in the streets and becoming a nuisance to residents. The main problem has been on Friday nights with minor disorder and alcohol-related incidents.
The People's Video Club opens this week after concern police were spending a lot of resources on such problems.
A DVD player and large screen will be set up at Hetton Centre, Welfare Road, with DVDs supplied by local businesses.
Community beat manager PC Joe Dow said: "Youths in Hetton didn't just need the authorities to move them on. A longer term solution was needed to divert their attention.
"By combining resources with other agencies we have put together what we hope is an enjoyable alternative."
The Zodiac Video Store has supplied the DVDs free and use of the main hall has also been donated.
Membership to the club is free and open to youths aged 12 to 16 from Hetton, and they can join at the Hetton Centre reception.
The club starts at 1700 GMT on Friday and will be run by police and volunteers.
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