Compass Royston operate some services in Hartlepool

Council bosses in Hartlepool have joined forces with a local bus operator in an effort to catch hooligans on camera.

The move follows similar measures introduced in the north-east of England and elsewhere in the UK.

Hartlepool Borough Council says several services in the Headland and Hart Station areas of the town have been targeted by vandals.

Incidents involve damage to seats and also threatening behaviour to drivers.

Now buses operated by Stockton-based Compass Royston, which operates the 505 and 556 services.

Ian Jopling, from Hartlepool Council's Highways department said the installation of CCTV cameras was "regrettable but necessary".

He said: "There is an unruly element which has targeted some bus services in the town.

"We need to send the message out that this is not acceptable and anyone caught who is involved in anti-social behaviour will be dealt with by the police and courts if necessary."