ANTI-GRAFFITI paint will be used for the first time in Darlington.

The product will be piloted on shop walls in Whitby Way, Branksome, and could be used throughout Darlington if successful.

The end wall of the row of shops will be coated with the substance, meaning graffiti can be removed with a jet of water.

The Darlington Borough Council's Street Scene team has implemented the measure after repeated complaints from residents about obscene and racist daubings.

Edwina Flowers, chairman of Branksome Residents' Association, said: "This is brilliant news. It has been going on for so long ,but now any graffiti can be quickly and cheaply removed.

Veronica Copeland, Darlington's cabinet member for consumer and environmental services, said: "Graffiti is damaging to the environment and can encourage other forms of anti-social behaviour.

"Hopefully, this new coating will clean up this area of Darlington and it can then be used in other areas."

To report graffiti, fly tipping or littering, call 01325-388777.