The officer had visited the New Monkey Club at Pallion Road, Sunderland, disguised as a clubber, as part of an intelligence gathering operation to target dealers.

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The club's owners are accused of turning a blind eye to Ecstasy dealing and are being tried by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court.

The undercover officer yesterday gave her evidence from behind a screen to protect her identity.

She told the court how she and another undercover officer were able to buy £10-worth of Ecstasy from a customer after being in the club less than 20 minutes on January 22.

Prosecutors claim bosses David Mallin, 45, his son David Mallin, 23, and Graham Brown, 45, knew the drug was being sold and taken inside the club.

Earlier this week, the court heard how the premises was originally leased to David Mallin Snr from 1999 to 2004 when the lease was transferred to Graham Brown. But even after that date it is claimed Mallin snr stayed involved in the club, as did his son, Mallin jnr.

Teams of officers raided the club in March last year, using antisocial behaviour powers to close it.

As a result 10 people have been convicted of drug dealing offences, including David Mallin jnr who was convicted of supplying Ecstasy to an undercover officer. Mallin jnr had denied dealing but was found guilty after a trial.

Mallin snr, of Dykelands Road, Sunderland, Mallin jnr, of Boston Street, Sunderland, and Brown, of Atkinson Road, Sunderland, all deny permitting the premises to be used for supplying Ecstasy and smoking cannabis between January and March 2006.

Proceeding.