CYCLE patrols for special constables are being set up in Thornaby in an innovative bid to tackle anti-social behaviour.

Last month, a grandmother told The Northern Echo she feared she could have been killed after youths threw a lump of paving slab at her at a parade of shops in Loftus Road, Thornaby.

The incident was one of many the residents in the street said they continually had to put up with.

It is hoped known hotspot areas in the town will be targeted by the special officers on their bikes.

The idea came from Brian Longhorn, a long-serving special, who approached chemical company BASF and asked if it would sponsor two mountain bikes.

The company agreed and now Mr Longhorn and fellow special constable Michael Wilson will take to the streets as soon as possible.

Mr Longhorn said: "There are a couple of hotspot areas which get anti-social behaviour and when you are on patrol in a car the kids involved hear and see you coming and are off.

"Approaching by bike is different. It is quieter and you can be on top of them before you know it, but it also provides a talking point for these youngsters.

"Few will have seen a bobby on a bike and once you engage them in conversation you can get your message across and highlight the problems and fears gangs of youths can cause.

"We are also hoping to get around the youth clubs in the area and get the youngsters on our side by talking to them there too."

Sergeant Dave Hill, from Thornaby Police, said the patrols would start within the next few days.

"It's a first class idea and we are delighted to have the sponsorship of BASF on this," he said. "Anti-social behaviour is not just limited to Thornaby, it affects all areas and communities.

"We are always keen to explore different ways to solve the problem and we are looking forward to seeing how this initiative works."