A Sussex supermarket has banned the sale of eggs to under-16s after teenagers bought dozens to throw at people.

Any youngster who wants to buy eggs from the Dillons/One Stop Convenience Store in Kirby Drive, Telscombe Cliffs, has to prove they are over 16.

Young teenagers have been blamed for unplanned and sporadic egg attacks on people, houses and vehicles in Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven.

In one case a woman was pelted as she walked along the road.

She went to the supermarket with her clothes dripping in egg yolk to show the manager and assistant manager what had happened.

They immediately put up notices saying no eggs would be sold to anyone under 16.

The store has already banned alcohol sales to anyone under 21 as too many youths were buying it then loitering outside.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "We decided to act after this young woman came into the store and showed us what some of the youngsters had done.

"Her clothes were completely covered in eggs.

"We have been told teenagers have been throwing eggs at houses and vehicles.

"If they come into the shop and they look as if they are under 16, we ask them to prove their age.

"If they are sent to buy eggs for the home, we tell them they have to come back with their parents.

"As we are open late every night we have to be responsible."

The banning of eggs and tougher regulations on the sale of alcohol was welcomed by Telscombe councillor David Neighbour.

He said: "I applaud what the store has done but regret it was necessary.

"The problem is youngsters are bored around here as there is nothing much for them to do.

"The older teenagers can go clubbing in Brighton but the younger ones sometimes hang around and cause trouble.

"If they can afford to buy eggs and throw them at cars, houses and people, they should be able to pay for sessions at a local youth club."