The youths responsible in the St Matthews Road area have been doing their best to "wipe the slate clean" with guidance from the police after an investigation by PCSO Chris Jackson.

"I visited and spoke to both the parents and youths concerned," she said, "and they agreed the youths should clean the graffiti off.

"This shows another example of how restorative justice can work within our communities, and by getting these youngsters to clean off their graffiti, it makes them realise what hard work goes into undoing this type of anti-social behaviour.

"I am a great believer in making the punishment fit the crime so to speak and by getting the youths to clean up their own mess, I feel, will achieve that."

After a consultation with Rev. Ian Mossley, the two youths responsible, turned up at St Matthew's Church to clean off all the graffiti.

PC Ian Willis, Community Beat Manager for Trinity, added: "Graffiti isn't welcome in Trinity or in any of our neighbourhoods. It causes damage to property and can make our streets look run down, and even though crime levels are low, this type of snti-social behaviour can make people feel unsafe."

PCSO Jackson concluded: "I was very impressed with the way the youths got stuck in and cleaned up the area. We are building up a good rapport with youths in Trinity and would urge them to keep the place looking good by not only behaving themselves but by encouraging others to do the same. The residents of Burnley deserve a nice place to live and with their help we will continue to make this one of our goals."