The writing's on the wall for graffiti yobs according to police and council leaders in South Ribble.

Operation Aerosol has been launched to reduce the damage caused by spray paint culprits who leave a stain on the local environment.

The council's hit squad is visiting sites in South Ribble where spray can vandals are known to operate, including hot spots' in Tardy Gate, Kingsfold and around Broadfield Drive in Leyland.

Every day for the next few weeks the team will use high-powered graffiti removal machinery to clear away spray can scribblings.

The hit squad will work closely with the police to gather information about the culprits that could ultimately lead to their arrest.

Using digital cameras, the team will gather photos and other evidence linked to the graffiti.

Inspector Andy Maughan from Leyland police, said: "People who leave graffiti often leave a number of clues in the slogans they write and in the debris they leave.

"We have found a number of spray cans, which we can now use to try and identify the culprits. We will hopefully be taking action against certain individuals soon"

Graffit vandals can be be fined up to £80 per offence.