PHOTOGRAPHS of a teenage tearaway may be distributed to homes on a North-East housing estate in an attempt to crack down on his appalling behaviour.

Pictures and posters of 16-year-old Nathan Patton could be sent to hundreds of homes in the Hemlington area of Middlesbrough.

The proposed name-and-shame move, unprecedented in the region, comes only 24 hours after Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon publicly pledged to "reclaim the streets".

It follows Middlesbrough Borough Council's successful application for a four-year anti-social behaviour order banning the teenager from a number of streets, from the Viewley Hill Shopping Centre and Hemlington Recreation Centre.

A council spokesman said of plans to distribute pictures of Patton : "We are considering this, but a decision has not been taken.

"It has been used successfully in Manchester, and we think it is right for local people to know who the wreckers are.

"They should be able to report them the moment they are back to their bad behaviour."

Mayor Mallon, who introduced zero tolerance policing techniques to Britain, said last night: "Our message is loud and clear: Residents and Middlesbrough council have had enough of this kind of unacceptable behaviour.

"I would urge anyone else in this town thinking of behaving in a similar fashion to think again, or they will feel the full weight of the law."

Teesside Magistrates heard that Patton led a gang whose antics were cited by 22 residents as their reason for leaving Hemlington. The court heard one of the gang's specialities was to burn out cars.

Yvonne Taylor, prosecuting, said potential witnesses had refused to give evidence for fear of reprisals.

James Fenny, representing Patton, left the court after his client failed to show up for the hearing. Magistrates ruled that it was right to name the teenager, who lives in Enderby Gardens, Hemlington.

Barry Coppinger, executive councillor in Middlesbrough for law and order, said: "We are going to crack down in any way we can to stamp out anti-social behaviour."

Inspector Andy Stohlner, of Cleveland Police, said: "It's another example of the partnership working between the police and the council.

"Most importantly, it shows that when residents are prepared to make a stand, positive action can be taken against individuals to curb their conduct."