'Egg ban' over Halloween mischief

The sale of eggs to youngsters has been banned on Teesside over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Stockton Council has joined forces with several major stores, which have also agreed not to sell flour, firelighters or matches to anyone under 16.

The authority says it hopes the move will result in a reduction in anti-social behaviour, in particular youngsters who hurl missiles at houses.

The campaign comes into effect on Thursday and runs until 8 November.

A string of shops, including Bells Stores, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Safeway, Kwik Save and Somerfield have all put their weight behind the "No Yolk" campaign.

Councillor Martyn Ingram, Stockton Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "A minority of youngsters get amusement from hurling missiles at homes during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and this can cause misery and fear among many people, especially the elderly and those living alone.

"By working together with local stores across the Borough we hope to deter those throwing missiles, often eggs and flour, and minimise the damage caused by irresponsible use of matches and firelighters."