COMMUNITY leaders have pledged to tackle mounting vandalism after a fresh wave of attacks.

Pickering town council suspects the culprits may be bored youngsters, and is therefore planning to invite school heads to a meeting to discuss the problem.

Town clerk Andrew Husband said: "We are calling a meeting of headteachers from local schools, police, community education officers, public librarians and councillors to discuss the problems.

"Vandalism seems to be happening more in the town than this time last year and it is a problem which needs to be addressed.

"Hopefully, with some discussion we can find a solution to stop it."

Mr Husband said there had also been recent incidents of vandalism in other Ryedale towns, such as Malton and Kirkbymoorside.

But he added: "Pickering attracts a lot of tourists and it is important that the town looks nice. Vandalism has been a growing problem in recent months, with paving stones being pulled up, public notice boards being smashed and public property being damaged with graffiti."

Last week, flowers put on display as part of Pickering's Britain in Bloom entry were damaged just days before competition judges were due to inspect the town.