A trio of Asbos were ordered for Forres at Elgin Sheriff Court

Mr McConnell was speaking in Forres, where the young trio were banned from for five years after Moray Council went to Elgin Sheriff Court last week.

He called for anti-social behaviour powers to be used by more councils.

Mr McConnell said: "The actions of the mindless few can ruin lives in smaller, rural communities."

I want to see more councils follow the example of what has happened in Forres Jack McConnell First Minister

Damien Grant, 17, Hassan Ali, 18, and 19-year-old Jamie Wright were banned from entering High Street in Forres between 1800 and 0600.

It is also illegal for them to enter areas such as bars, the community centre and the library.

'Communities safer'

Mr McConnell said: "The blight of anti-social behaviour is not just confined to the streets of our cities.

"These powers are being used more and more across Scotland. Just last week an order was imposed here in Forres that will keep key troublemakers out of the town centre for five years.

"But we still need local agencies across Scotland to do more.

"I want to see more councils follow the example of what has happened in Forres. By doing so they will be improving the lives of the majority and making the streets of all our communities safer."

Moray Council said last week's move was as a result of an extended period of anti-social behaviour by the three, including assaults, vandalism, threats to and abuse of residents and police officers.

All were said to be members of a gang of youths who call themselves the Pivvy Posse.