TEENAGERS are being driven out of Mansfield underpasses by pink lights which show up their spots.

The lights are being used in Noel Street and Layton Avenue, and community leaders say they are already putting the squeeze on teens congregating in the area.

The lights, put up by Layton Burroughs Residents' Association, are used by beauticians to highlight blemishes.

Marianne Down, of the Association, said: "We used to have quite a problem with large groups of young people hanging around in the underpasses drinking, which felt quite intimidating, but the pink lights have really made a difference.

"The groups aren't there as much and it feels safer walking through there now, particularly at night."

It is believed to be the first time the lights have been used in the region.

The colour has a calming affect and is seen as "uncool" by some young males.

The residents' association is now using £1,000 of funding to put up more pink lights in the Corporation Street underpass and to buy CCTV cameras.

Mike Powis, crime reduction manager at Notts Police, said the scheme proves that creative solutions can be some of the most effective.