POLICE on the Bettws estate at Newport doubled their efforts this Hallowe'en and saw their quietest night for years.

Bettws residents praised the police clampdown on youths after years of trouble.

Inspector Dave Johnson said: "We had a much quieter Hallowe'en than we have had for years.

"The reason for that is we contacted schools about the dangers of throwing eggs, and have had a poster campaign in shops."

Police were also out on the streets confiscating eggs and flour.

Bettws councillor Noel Trigg said: "I usually get a lot of calls on Hallowe'en from people worried about youngsters throwing eggs and flour, but this year I did not have one. It was good to see police officers walking around."

But on the troubled Gaer estate, youths pelted a pensioner with eggs on his way to the shopping centre and also abused police and attacked a shop.

Shop owner Paul Hartshorn said it was up to parents to control their children and make their community safer.

Mr Hartshorn said the youths threw eggs inside his Mace store.

"The old man who came in was covered in egg and he was obviously distressed," he said. "Then the kids started pelting my stock. Old people are getting scared to come here.

"You expect some high spirits on Hallowe'en but there was no fun on Wednesday - it was vicious and pure vandalism. When I approached them they gave me foul abuse.

"Some girls were only 12 and I had to drive away to calm down. It's so frustrating."

* In the picture: PC Eddie Evans and Cllr Noel Trigg with confiscated eggs, flour and fireworks from Hallowe'en night in Bettws, Newport.