Stokesley parents had an eye-opener when police played them a video recording of their children vandalising a hedge.

And police are continuing to investigate bad behaviour in Great Ayton, after photographs were taken of suspected teenage vandals.

The Stokesley video viewing was held by the police after a resident filmed the group's destruction with a domestic video camera.

Police admit there has been a spate of anti-social behaviour and missile throwing by young children in both communities. Latest monthly figures show 40 reported anti-social incidents in Stokesley and 27 in Great Ayton.

Parish councillors in both areas have sought police action to tackle the growing number of incidents.

In Stokesley, some of the children are said to be under ten years old so cannot be brought before a youth court.

The police hope the video screening will shame parents and make them take greater control of their youngsters.

The video of youngsters destroying a garden hedge last month was delivered to Stokesley police station.

PC Glyn Jones said: "The video camera recorded a number of children aged about ten years old who were jumping on a wall and diving on a hedge, which caused some damage to the hedge.

"The children have been identified and spoken to, and their parents informed. The parents were shown the video recording and their children's behaviour was quite an eye-opener. Suitable action has now been taken and the resident is quite happy with the outcome."

Great Ayton residents took similar action by giving the police photographs of suspected vandals. Pictures were taken by residents in the Linden Road area and at the Methodist church, where teenage vandals have damaged skylights and smashed a fence.

One home owner was sworn at and his window was smashed after he criticised teenagers for deliberately kicking lamp posts. He later took photographs of the youngsters and handed them to the police. He was visited by Sgt Dave Merrit at the weekend.

Methodist church property chairman Mr Richard Stainsby proposed at a meeting on Wednesday that the church ground gates be locked at night.

"We realise locking the gates will inconvenience some people, but it may help prevent further damage."

He said Coun Peter Bell recently told-off youths for tampering with the church, and received a barrage of abuse from them.

PC Glyn Jones said: "We are still looking at the pictures and are investigating the matters."