Youngsters will be given up to £50 for the names of yobs who blight their local area with their "tags" and other messages.

The rewards are part of a crackdown on criminal damage by police and council officials to target repeat offenders.

Police officers have visited secondary schools in South Ribble to put up posters warning youngsters off as part of Operation Tag.

It follows on from the successful Operation Aerosol earlier this year, which targeted hotspots in Leyland, Lostock Hall and Penwortham.

In Ribbleton, Preston, eight youths also received police cautions after a crackdown by police from Fulwood.

Officers have also been taking part in high-visibility patrols in Penwortham, Longton and Hutton to try to deter any would-be vandals from making their mark on walls, lampposts or bus shelters.

Staff from South Ribble Council's litter hit squads have been visiting areas where graffiti is regularly found and cleaning it off with a high-pressure hose. Trading Standards officials are also visiting local shops to encourage them to keep their eyes peeled for any potential vandals.

Coun Tony Pimblett, cabinet member with responsibility for streetscene services at South Ribble Council, said: "People are more likely to think an area is uncared for if there is graffiti nearby and that can mean they are more likely to drop litter or commit other offences."

PC Kevin Bond, community beat manager for Higher Penwortham, added: "By tackling the root cause of graffiti and working with the council to help remove it, we hope we can improve the local area and improve the effects this kind of vandalism has on people's quality of life."

Call South Ribble Council's hotline on 01772 625625.