A TEENAGER described by police as one of Darwen's most prolific young offenders has been caught driving while disqualified in a car officers believe was stolen.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was reported driving a Vauxhall Astra, in Preston Street, Darwen, by mounted officers who had been drafted in as part of a week long initiative which involved officers on horses patrolling the town centre and rural areas.

The juvenile already has 11 convictions for 13 different offences, including the theft of and from motor vehicles, handling stolen goods, wounding, burglary and criminal damage. Three other youths have also been arrested in connection with the stolen car.

And today police officers hailed the five-day scheme a great success after a number of other arrests in and around the town.

A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with burglary after breaking into a house in Woodvale Flats, Darwen, in March last year, as well as a 29-year-old who was arrested and cautioned for a public order offence in Belgrave Road last weekend.

In addition, 29 drivers were reported for motoring offences, including driving without tax or insurance and 35 pieces of intelligence information were gained about the whereabouts and activities of known criminals.

Officers also made 79 stop checks of people acting suspiciously. Sergeant Andrea Bradbury from Darwen police said: "The youngster is one of the most prolific offenders in Darwen and he was reported for disqualified driving. Three other arrests have been made as a result of the theft of the motor vehicle he was caught driving.

"We have had a great response from the public about the horses. People are happy to see them patrolling the streets and they've been able to get out and about and cover areas we wouldn't normally be able to.

"The officers themselves have had a lot of personal feedback by people that have stopped them in the street.

"We have been delighted to have them in Darwen and they have been a valuable resource. They have been very effective at carrying out daily tasks given too them and they have brought in additional bits of information which is vital to us. We would be very pleased to have them back again."