THIRTY pairs of hands are ready and waiting to transform a vandalism hot spot in Fareham.

But first the eager youngsters want mums, dads and children to tell us where they ought to concentrate their efforts.

The appeal by the group co-ordinated by Richard Coghlan of the borough's Churches Together project coincides with The Daily Echo backed campaign "Smash The Vandals".

We are supporting Fareham Council and Hampshire police in their latest crackdown on the yobs who cost council taxpayers more than £50,000 every year.

Whether it's a vandalised playground, a wall daubed with graffiti or a major clean-up, no job is too big or too small for Mr Coghlan's dedicated army of teenage helpers.

"We are going to contact the council and the police for any suggestions of places to tidy up. But if readers have any suggestions we would love to hear about them too."

He said the project would not only benefit the wider community by making Fareham a nicer place to live but the youngsters themselves.

"By dealing with the problem of vandalism they become involved with their community. And hopefully it will show older people that not all youngsters are vandals. It restores people's faith."

It's the third time teenagers from the borough's Scout groups, schools and churches have joined forces to bring a new lease of life to run-down areas.

In May this year they used up 13 tins of colourful paints to design a brightly coloured mural along the subway at The Gillies in Fareham.

The walls were sprayed with an anti-graffiti sealant that has kept the youngsters' hard work in tip top condition. Last year they painted the town's homeless shelter in the town centre. A final decision on what crime hot spot needs transforming will be made at the next meeting of Churches Together next month.

If you have any suggestions for vandalised areas that could do with a new lease of life call the Fareham office of The Daily Echo on 01329 285503.