Prayer patrols are to take to the streets today to try to stop Frinton's growing yob culture.

Members of Frinton Free Church will descend on the town's antisocial hotspots in a bid to win over youngsters with the power of prayer.

It follows claims from residents that unruly youths are ruining the image of the genteel seaside town.

Some say that Connaught Avenue has become a no-go area on certain nights as groups of teenagers take over the streets.

The Rev Ben Marlowe, senior minister, said: "Church-goers will be invited to pray at hotspots in the town where young people congregate.

"The church wants to show Christianity isn't just for Sundays, it is an integral part of our lives and doesn't exclude doing normal everyday things."

Sgt John Scott, of Walton police, said the number of incidents of vandalism and antisocial behaviour over last weekend was no different to any other week and said officers were patrolling the area looking for problems every night.

Members of the church, in Connaught Avenue, will be taking part in the beach prayer patrol tonight, starting at 7pm.