The action against youths aged under 16 in Wigton was the first of its kind in Cumbria and followed new legislation to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Police released figures on Monday which show that 13 youths were returned home during the two-week curfew.

They were seven girls, six boys, with the youngest being a 10 year old found on the streets at 2320 BST.

The powers to take the young people home were given to police under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

The message about acceptable standards of behaviour over the Easter holidays has been accepted by the majority Inspector David Barr

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

The force said in a statement on Monday that seven warnings had also been issued to groups to disperse.

They said that during the period of the curfew, from 2 April until 18 April, there were four crimes that appeared to have been committed by young people.

Parents praised

They were two reports of windows smashed, graffiti on a garage wall and damage to a wall.

There were also 10 reports of young people acting in a disorderly way.

Inspector David Barr said: "The young people of Wigton and their parents and guardians ought to be commended .

"It is evident that the message about acceptable standards of behaviour over the Easter holidays has been accepted by the majority."

Mr Barr will be meeting youth workers and the young people of Wigton at the Youth Station at 1830 BST on Monday to discuss the curfew.