Pupils are being urged to “support the community”, following a spate of antisocial behaviour displayed by a some.

Headteachers of Whitehaven Academy, West Lakes Academy and St Benedict’s School, Whitehaven, have issued letters to parents and pupils asking for them to respect their environment and communities.

The appeal comes after a “small minority” of students from all three schools were seen drinking and smoking in Whitehaven, Cleator Moor and Egremont, causing “increasing concern” within the schools.

In his letter, Whitehaven Academy headteacher, Nigel Youngman, said: “The strength in our community is that many students’ friendship groups go beyond one school.

“That is hugely important, but it is not acceptable for students of any age to be drinking or smoking in groups, nor is it fair for our community to have their local environment treated badly.”

He continued: “Our students are achieving so much. They have faced huge challenges and have a great deal to be proud of.

“We need to ensure the minority of young people who are making the wrong choices are supported in changing this behaviour. Thank you for your support with this.”

Mr Youngman added that if any parents have concerns that their child may be involved, they should contact their respective Student Provision Officer.

Emma Jackson, headteacher of St Benedict’s, also sent a letter to parents, and said: “The vast majority of our students care about both our school and the wider community and make an extremely valuable contribution to these communities every day. I am extremely proud of them.

“We are saddened by [the antisocial behaviour], and we take a very dim view of such behaviour.

“It is clearly a minority of individuals causing the damage and behaving in such inappropriate ways. As a school, we will work together with other local schools in West Cumbria, including Whitehaven Academy and West Lakes Academy, as well as other official organisations and networks, to identify any individuals who are seen or caught displaying such behaviour.”

West Lakes Academy was also contacted for comment, and says it shares the sentiments of Whitehaven Academy and St Benedict's.