Northumbria Police say they are supporting the decision by headteachers at St Joseph's and Hebburn comprehensive schools.

Some pupils have defaced property at shopping centres and parks on their way to and from school or during their lunch break, according to police.

Graffiti written in permanent marker is particularly hard to remove.

Criminal damage

Pc Kevin Graham, from the Hebburn Community Team, said: "We are working with schools in South Tyneside to prevent criminal damage. We believe that banning these pens from school premises will reduce the number of incidents.

"Sometimes when we come across young people with these pens they say they need them for school work. Clearly this will no longer be an excuse they can use."

Any pupils who defy the ban will have the pens confiscated by the school and parents are being asked to help schools enforce this rule by not buying them for their children.

The ban is part of Northumbria Police's Operation Wipeout which is running during April and aims to reduce criminal damage by letting offenders know their actions are criminal, and urging members of the public to report it when it happens.