MINI motorbikes are becoming more and more popular and no doubt some children across East Lancashire will be waking up on Christmas Day to find they have been given one as a present.

But unless mum and dad have large gardens (and deaf neighbours), permission to use privately-owned farm fields and woodland or access to a special track, there will be a real problem.

That doesn't seem to bother some parents who let their youngsters shoot around public open spaces without a thought for the noise or real danger for strollers, sports people and animals. Then there is the damage caused by tyres churning up sports fields and paths by children who imagine themselves as budding racers.

Now we hear that mini motorbikes travelling at up to 40mph are causing so many problems on the towpath of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Blackburn that concerned police officers are going to see if some sections can be blocked off before there is a serious accident.

Legally, you have to be 16 to ride such machines on public property and need to pass a test and have insurance, tax and an MOT.

Parents who allow their children to ignore the law should be prosecuted.