In all the specialist force made 118 football-related arrests during 2007-08 last season on trains and at stations across the North East of England.

In total there were 601 football-related arrests by BTP across England, Wales and Scotland.

Assistant Chief Constable Operations Alan Pacey said: "The 2007/2008 season was definitely a challenging one for us.

"Alcohol-fuelled disorder was the most prevalent problem, with an increase from 305 to 337 incidents.

"We also had 25 police officers assaulted during the season – the highest number ever recorded by BTP."

"We did, however, get a better grip on organised hooligan elements through increased use of football banning orders on known trouble-makers.

"Consequently we had a reduction in serious incidents from 83 in 2006/07 to 63 last season.

"In the same time period we secured 122 football banning orders, with many cases still pending.

"This is something we will continue to pursue to ensure that those who engage in disorder are banned from travelling to, or from attending, football matches.

"A forum which brings together key groups from the railway industry, the FA, Football League and Premier League, supporters' associations and BTP has been also been set up to work through any issues that may be causing concern."

ACC Pacey said the forum was eager to ensure that the forthcoming season 2008/2009 was a success.

"We would appeal to fans ahead of the new football season not to over indulge in alcohol.

"For those coming into London, we would remind passengers to adhere to the ban on consumption of alcohol on the Tube, along with any other 'dry train' restrictions which may be imposed by mainline train operators throughout the season."

The North Eastern area covered by BTP stretches from Lincolnshire to the Scottish border. Of the 601 arrests made nationwide by BTP, 118 were made on trains and at stations across the North East region.