A crackdown on underage drinking and rowdiness on the streets at night has been hailed a success.

Police in Haywards Heath confiscated 18 bottles and cans of lager and a bottle of vodka from youths drinking around Clair Park and Victoria Park.

The weekend before, officers confiscated 44 bottles and cans of alcohol.

Inspector Roy Apps, of Haywards Heath police, stressed the town did not have more of an under-age drinking problem than elsewhere but were keen to make parents aware of what their children were doing and where they were at night.

He said: "We confiscated quite a lot of stuff last Friday.

"There were far fewer youths around and fortunately no reports of antisocial behaviour.

"It did seem to be a lot quieter and we are starting to get the message across."

Operation Sermon was launched following reports of youths drinking on the streets and taking part in antisocial behaviour.

Police carry out regular checks on off-licences and other drinking outlets to find out how youngsters obtain alcohol.

Haywards Heath town clerk Carol Preston said: "We support the police wholeheartedly because we have seen the damage and have noted the youths going in the park and sitting around the children's playground.

"We have taken this up with the police on a number of occasions and they have gone about it in the right way."

Mrs Preston said the Haywards Heath Youth Cafe, which will open at Christmas, would help keep youngsters off the streets.

Richard Moon, of the Haywards Heath Society, said he was pleased the operation was successful but felt it was part of a wider issue.

He said: "The whole problem is too complicated to be dealt with just by confiscating drink, although that is useful.

"One wonders what the parental involvement is with children.

"We welcome the opening of the youth cafe although it is still debatable whether this group of youngsters will want to use it."

Mid Sussex district councillor Mike Gilks, who is in charge of leisure and property, said he was delighted the operation was a success but was keen to stress it was only a small minority causing problems.