A Darlington school has backed efforts to tackle a spate of attacks on farm livestock in the Darlington area.

The incidents occurred during the Easter school holidays on farmland stretching from Barmpton, near Whinfield, to Brafferton village.

The incidents were brought to light by Brian Pavey, co-ordinator of Countryside Crime Watch, a rural neighbourhood watch group, who said teenagers aged 13 to 14 were involved.

Yesterday, Mr Pavey met officials at Darlington Education Village, at Haughton, to ask for their help.

A spokeswoman for the school said: " We will be drawing this issue to pupils' attention at our assemblies."

Mr Pavey, a Darlington gamekeeper, said the incidents included dogs being set on a sheep by youths. A lamb was so badly injured it had to be put down.

Chickens have been attacked and hares have been killed with air rifles.

Mr Pavey said: "Hunting with dogs is illegal and these young people are committing offences.

"In addition, some of them are carrying firearms and we are concerned that they are putting themselves in danger."