The curfew in Wigton is the first of its kind to be introduced in Cumbria and follows new legislation to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Under the new powers, police officers will take home unsupervised teenagers caught in the town centre after 2100 GMT and before 0600 GMT.

The curfew came into force at 1200 BST and follows vandal attacks in the town.

If they refuse to leave or are found again we can take action against them Insp Dave Barr

The curfew will run for two weeks until 1200 GMT on 19 April to coincide with the Easter school holidays.

Cumbria Police Inspector Dave Barr told BBC News Online that gangs have been congregating in the town centre which has put people off going to the shops in the area.

He said: "We have seen a rise in damage and disorder in Wigton.

"The main problem has been vandalism and we have had damage at the community centre for three nights running."

Mr Barr said the Anti-Social Behaviour Act now allowed officers to take action against offenders.

He said: "We will use the extra powers which allow us to take a child home if they are in the centre and if they refuse to leave or are found again we can take action against them."

Mr Barr said similar curfews could be introduced in the future at times when youth disorder is traditionally at its peak such as the school summer holidays.