Boy racers are being driven out of Eastbourne by police - who are sending warning letters to their parents.

Unsuspecting mothers and fathers whose vehicles are being used to race around the town centre have been receiving the warning letters after an undercover operation.

Ten people have been reported for driving offences, eight more issued with fixed penalty tickets for traffic offences and letters sent to the owners of seven cars.

Community beat officers used surveillance cameras to record the racing around Eastbourne town centre, particularly Devonshire Place and Trinity Trees.

PC Gary Baker, who led the operation, said: "We have sent letters to the registered owners informing them how their vehicle has been used.

"Interestingly, this has led to a number of phone calls from the owners who have been clearly unaware how their car or van was being used."

Some residents still fear the boy racers will return.

Brian Jones, of Trinity Trees, is chairman of the Memorial Square Residents Action Group.

He said: "We did notice some great results when the police first started this operation. It changed our lives completely and gave us a rest.

"They have come back a bit lately. There are some nights when it has got as bad as it used to be.

"No one wants to deny these young people but they have got to realise how it affects other people's lives."

PC Baker said the operation would not be a one-off.

He said: "It will run indefinitely at various times and days of the week until those responsible realise that their behaviour is unacceptable and has a damaging affect on residents' lives."