A neighbourhood police team has hailed the power of the pen in the fight against antisocial behaviour.

Officers in the Clacton East, who cover Holland-on-Sea and Great Clacton, say a scheme where officers write to the parents of young troublemakers is driving down crime.

The team has spoken to 227 youngsters causing a nuisance since April 1.

Offences have mainly been under-age drinking, intimidating behaviour and trespassing.

Their names have been put on a database and a letter sent home to tell parents what their child is up to.

A total of 48 of the under-18s were stopped for a second time and were invited with their parents to a meeting with police.

A third letter went home to ten youths to say the police need to take action.

It has led to three Acceptable Behavior Contracts (ABC) - a precursor to an antisocial behaviour orders - being issued.

Sgt Sharon Wyatt, who has spearheaded the initiative, said police will go as far as they can without taking action.

"The bottom line is we don't want children to get criminal convictions and ruin opportunities in later life," she said.