TEENAGERS Shaun Tweddle and Steven Small did not have much time for school.

As the boys played truant they would spit at passers-by from a first-floor flat, start fires to taunt firefighters, and bully younger children on the Hardwick estate, at Stockton, in Teesside.

Then aged 13 and 14, they made life intolerable for residents.

But when they finally faced Teesside magistrates in September, they were given a stark message - obey the two-year anti-social behaviour order or face being taken into care or a secure unit.

Under the order they were given a string of conditions including staying out of neighbours' gardens and being banned from throwing objects at people and property, or using foul and abusive language.

The pair were also given a curfew from 10pm to 6am for six months and their parents had to attend a three- month parenting course to help them control and support their children.

If the two teenagers break any of the conditions they will go back before the courts.