A boy of 12 boy and his parents have made history in Hove by being the first to sign an acceptable behaviour contract.

The youth had been making life a misery for people in the Hangleton and Knoll area for some time.

He has now signed an informal agreement to behave well for six months, knowing there will be trouble in store for him if he breaks it.

If he does, the police can follow it up with a much tougher anti-social behaviour order, which has the force of law behind it and lasts four years.

Breaking that can lead to jail.

Everyone hopes gentle guidance can help this boy become a decent member of society instead of a threatening nuisance.

But if he doesn't, legal constraints come into play. He cannot be allowed to disrupt his community.