Two teenage yobs from Canvey have been arrested after CCTV images showing them tearing down a public noticeboard were printed in the Echo.

The 14-year-olds were recognised by a member of the public, who contacted police following an appeal for help to identify the youths.

The board, outside Northwick Park School, in Third Avenue, had been provided by Castle Point Council to keep residents informed about events in the borough.

It was eventually removed by the council after the youths ripped it from its stand. It was a final act of vandalism to the signs, which had been burned, painted and daubed with graffiti.

Sgt Kevin Diable-White, from Rayleigh Police, said: "Two 14-year-old boys were arrested over the weekend and this was a direct result of the photographs being published in the Echo.

"A member of the public phoned up because they recognised them, so we would like to thank the community and the Echo for their support.

"It demonstrates our commitment to dealing positively with reports of damage and this shows the results that can be achieved if the community and the police work together.

"Both boys received a reprimand, which is a juvenile version of a police warning."

Norman Bambridge, Conservative borough councillor for Canvey Island Winter Gardens ward, said: "I think this is a good example of the community working together.

"The council is working in partnership with our local police in developing the use of modern technology.

"With modern technology, more and more incidents will have positive results.

"Kids will talk about this together and, although this is a small incident, every little bit helps."

It is expected that the noticeboard will be re-installed by Castle Point Council within the next couple of months.