The curfew in Wigton was the first of its kind to be introduced in Cumbria and followed new legislation to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The action against youths aged under 16 aimed to cut down on disorder in the town, and the final night of curfew takes place on Sunday.

Police said the curfew had helped reduce problems on the streets.

Under the powers, police officers were able to take home unsupervised teenagers caught on the streets after 2100 GMT and before 0600 GMT.

Inspector David Barr said nine children had been taken home by police, and while there were incidents of vandalism, officer have not had to deal with anyone of school age.

He said the Cumbrian force had succeeded on three fronts: "We have managed to use the new legislation to break up the gangs and anyone driving or walking through Wigton recently will have seen that.

'Police yourselves'

"Secondly, the level of awareness among parents of children in Wigton is far higher than it has ever been and they now have an understanding of what is an acceptable level of behaviour.

"And crime and disorder figures are also down."

The legislation relates to a specific period of time, but the force has not ruled out bringing in the curfew again this summer if there is an increase in crime and disorder.

The Cumbrian force is one of the first in the country to use the new powers and it has received inquiries from other forces about how the curfew has worked.

Mr Barr said: "We said to young people from the outset that if you can behave and police yourselves we will have no need to use these powers again, so it is in their hands."