No alcohol is allowed at the discos run by police and community groups

The "Blue Light" discos will require everyone attending to be breathalysed and searched at the door before being allowed entry.

Anyone who has been drinking or taking drugs will be stopped and offered on-the-spot support from volunteers. Their parents will also be contacted.

The discos have been credited with helping to reduce youth offending in other parts of the country.

The events will be run jointly by local youth groups, community services and the police.

The first one in the Borders is planned for September at the Focus Centre in Galashiels.

Remove barriers

According to community police in the area it is something the local force and young people should welcome.

Gillian Jardine of youth organisation Dialogue Youth also welcomed the initiative and said it could help break down barriers between the police and youngsters.

"The main aspect of the event is that all tickets are pre-sold and, on entry, all young people are breathalysed and searched," she added.