TEENAGERS in Purbeck have slammed critics that tar them all with the same brush.

Following reports in recent weeks of rubbish-dumping and vandalism around Sheps Hollow beach and the Ballard Estate in Swanage, youngsters have been speaking out.

Alice Dorrington, 17, of Linden Road, said: "I feel the residents of the Ballard Estate would be incredibly shocked if they were to meet some of us and discover we are in fact not intent on destruction and vandalism.

"I am aware there are mindless thugs in Dorset but I beg that you do not tar all young people with the same brush."

Another 17-year-old girl, from Corfe Castle, who chose not to give her name, said she was outraged by the reports and says that many teenagers are conscientious.

She said: "My friends and I have attended many successful beach parties where we clean up after ourselves.

"Although I do sympathise with people living at Ballard Down, my elderly grandparents, who live in Swanage, phoned my parents worried and concerned, thinking that all youths here are out to cause trouble, which indeed we are not.

"I understand there are a few bad apples, but there is wherever you go."

A series of incidents, including vandalism at cafes around Ocean Bay, has led to calls for more CCTV at that end of the beach, although most appreciate that the parties are an institution in the town.