Extra police will be drafted in to mount anti-social behaviour patrols during a Norfolk town's annual tennis week.

Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament, dubbed Wimbledon-on-Sea, draws more than 1,000 young players to the resort each summer.

But last year's event was marred by anti-social behaviour, with crowds of drunken youths congregating on the recreation ground at Brancaster.

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament in full swing. There is no suggestion any players pictured were responsible for anti-social behaviourHunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament in full swing. There is no suggestion any players pictured were responsible for anti-social behaviour (Image: Newsquest)

Insp Howard Elvidge, of Hunstanton police, said extra resources were being drafted into the town to cover this year's tennis week, which begins on Sunday, August 20.

"I have got a group of officers who are being abstracted to do anti-social behaviour patrols during tennis week, those officers are rostered to do it," he said.

"There are other things I can do nearer the time with dispersal powers, I can authorise officers to direct people to leave the area."

Eastern Daily Press: Police also have powers to confiscate alcohol from trouble-makersPolice also have powers to confiscate alcohol from trouble-makers (Image: Bill Smith)

The same powers also allow officers to confiscate alcohol from people who are behaving anti-socially.

Insp Elvidge said officers would also be speaking to pubs and supermarkets about underage alcohol sales.

Eastern Daily Press: Tennis week has also brought anti-social behaviour to Hunstanton and surrounding villages over the yearsTennis week has also brought anti-social behaviour to Hunstanton and surrounding villages over the years (Image: Chris Bishop)

Sgt Adam Hughes, who will be leading the operation in August, said: "I'm quite satisfied we've got a really good grip on what's going to happen this year."

There have been issues during tennis week over the years. 

Tournament organisers apologised for last year's problems but said many of those involved were not taking part in the tennis, but had been invited to stay in holiday lets by friends who were playing.

Eastern Daily Press: Hunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament secretary Chris HoltHunstanton Lawn Tennis Tournament secretary Chris Holt (Image: Matthew Usher)

Chris Holt, who has been tournament secretary for 48 years, said: "We will be e-mailing every competitor with a code of conduct for their behaviour at the tournament and in the villages.

"We were upset last year at the amount of misbehaviour in the villages."

Extra security including CCTV cameras have been installed at Brancaster Village Hall.