Sponge balls will be used by children for their evening kickabout after neighbours complained to the police about the noise of the game.

People living on the Macklands Estate in Rainham raised concerns about young people playing football with balls hitting cars and lots of late night noise during a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) meeting.

As a result a group of 14 to 15-year-olds were invited to attend a meeting so a solution could be found.

In the end the teenagers agreed not to use leather footballs and that they would finish by 9pm to keep the noise to a minimum.

One of the local residents even provided sponge balls at their own cost.

The remedy has proved to be a success.

Rainham North’s PC Dave Patterson said: "Since the meeting between the teenagers and the residents there have been no more complaints.

"It’s a great example of how the PACT process can work for people if they make use of it and tell neighbourhood teams what their priorities are."

To find out who your local neighbourhood officers are visit www.kent.police.uk and enter your postcode or call 01622 690690 and ask for the officer covering the area where you live.