Youngsters are to be taught about the soldiers who fought and died for their country as part of a tough new vandalism crackdown.

Police hope children will show more respect for Wickford memorial park if they realise the men honoured there died close to their own ages.

The park has suffered damage running into thousands of pounds at the hands of teenaged graffiti artists and vandals who enjoy destroying areas such as the bowling pavilion.

Officers hope to get groups such as the Royal British Legion involved to unearth the history and background of local soldiers, who are named on plaques attached to each tree.

The idea is the brainchild of PC Alan Ratnage, who became frustrated at the actions of thoughtless youngsters.

He said: "One of my first jobs when I started was criminal damage at the pavilion. All the windows had been smashed and paint was thrown everywhere.

"There is a general lack of respect by a hard core of individuals who spoil it for everybody.

"I have spoken to some of the kids in the park and noticed the plaques. We thought we could talk to them about the soldiers and it might strike a chord to know that some of the people who died were young people like themselves."

He added that he hoped the police's schools liaison officer could help drive the message home to youngsters with the help of local history groups.

PC Geoff Whiter, Wickford's community liaison officer, said he was backing the idea.

He said: "A lot of adults aren't really aware of why the memorial park is so called and the significance of the various plaques.

"People don't realise the age of the soldiers who died and it makes the damage all the more saddening.

"Hopefully we can go into the schools and talk to the children about it and make them think twice before they get into causing graffiti and criminal damage."

The police have already taken some action to halt the trouble at the park, including stepping up patrols and ensuring vandals caught are properly dealt with.

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