VANDALS intent on causing damage to a church will be sent packing with more than a flea in their ear.

A vicar has taken the step of using controversial technology to deter youngsters from using the church for anti-social behaviour.

The Reverend David Lambert, vicar of St Mark's Church at Marske, east Cleveland, and his parishioners were experiencing regular problems with youths gathering in the church porch, drinking alcohol and causing damage.

To overcome the problem, the church has installed a sonic Mosquito device, which emits a high-pitched whine that can only be heard by people aged up to their early 20s.

Mr Lambert said: "It has been very successful so far in a period of about a month. It is quite an unpleasant noise, but does not cause any permanent harm.

"Most adults cannot hear it at all, although our own youngsters attending church can - they know that they have to get past it quickly.

"We have it on from around 5pm to 11pm in the evenings and there has already been a significant improvement in trouble.

"However, it will be around three months before we know if it is a complete success."

The device has proved successful in many areas, but has come in for criticism from the Government's children's commissioner.

Last month, Sir Albert Aynsley-Green, who was appointed to represent the views of the country's 11 million children, set up a campaign calling for the devices to be banned on the grounds that it infringes the rights of young people.

However, Mr Lambert believes installing in a church porch is different to a shopping parade or public area.

He said: "The Mosquito does not stop trouble, but it seems to be very successful in keeping it away from our church from a specific area like the church porch.

"It is not in a place which is a public thoroughfare.

I can see the argument for not having it outside shops.

"I cannot hear it myself, but anyone who can hear it in the porch at night should not be there."