POLICE have devised an innovative way to combat anti-social behaviour around a war memorial - they have drafted in the army.

Youths regularly congregate at Hartlepool's Centotaph to drink and cause a nuisance but soldiers from the Queen's Royal Lancers are spending the day teaching them to respect the memorial.

The Cenotaph has been the focal point for vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town, especially during the weekends.

Inspector Tony Green of Hartlepool Police said: "This kind of behaviour is despicable and totally disrespectful to our war heroes. We have tried various approaches to tackling incidents from engagement to penalties, all of which work to a certain degree, but as yet have not resulted in a complete end to the damage.

"We are committed to cracking down on anti-social behaviour and criminal damage around the Cenotaph and weve now decided to adopt a new and unique approach by bringing in soldiers who have first hand experience of fighting for our country.

"It's hoped that by speaking to the soldiers, the young people will learn about the difference that our war heroes make to our lives and in-turn will be inspired to think twice about their behaviour around the Cenotaph."

The soldiers will be at the Cenotaph tomorrow from noon.

Captain Christopher Kierstead, of the Queen's Royal Lancers, added: "Each name on the Cenotaph represents someones son or daughter who has died for this country. By engaging with the young people of Hartlepool, we hope we can explain what the memorial means to us, why it is so important and why everyone should respect it.

"We are delighted to be able to help the police in dealing with this problem. Our soldiers coming to Hartlepool have first hand experience of operations and are can bring to life what this means to so many of us. The present generation are the first to not have a direct link to either of the First or Second World War and we can provide that link."

This is the second visit the soldiers have paid to the Cenotaph in Hartlepool, the first being last weekend when they met several young people.