BUDE  Police have received various calls from members of the public regarding anti-social behaviour in and around the church, and graveyard, in Kilkhampton.

A police spokesman said: "It seems that a minority of local youths are using this as a place to gather to drink alcohol, which is generally occurring at night time, particularly on Fridays and Saturdays."

It has been reported that glass bottles are being smashed around the graveyard and damage has been caused to a grave stone and a bench outside.

Bude Rural Neighbour­hood Beat Manager PC Gary Luxton said: "Whilst I appreciate that there will be only a few youths responsible for this I will be taking adequate steps to prevent this occurring. We will be carrying out regular patrols and will be seizing alcohol off under 18s. Anybody who is witnessed to cause any damage, or commit any other offences, will be arrested and dealt with.

"I would also appeal to the youths who are responsible to consider their actions in such a sensitive area as a graveyard. I would also appeal to the parents of these youths to question what their children are up to."

If anyone has any information regarding the anti-social behaviour, please contact PC Luxton at Bude Police Station on 01288 357502, or email [email protected]">[email protected].