POLICE have praised Kidderminster pubs for helping to ensure a trouble-free weekend by closing for two hours on Saturday afternoon.

Pubs belonging to the Kidderminster Licensing Association, which covers most premises in the town centre, shut between 3pm and 5pm following England's World Cup clash against Denmark.

No public disorder was reported and the police made no arrests, in contrast to the ugly scenes after England played Argentina on June 7 when a man was injured and five others arrested in the town centre and Comberton Hill.

A spokesman for Kidderminster Police said: "We wish to thank the KLA for their consideration.

"Their actions no doubt helped in the public having a good time without being inconvenienced."

He added that the same policy would be implemented if England had any more midday games.