HEDONISTIC youngsters were accused of leaving barbecues and fire pits strewn in their wake.

Royal Wootton Bassett and Cricklade Police shared images on social media of officers' coal-blackened hands after cleaning up after the young partygoers.

Police suggested those responsible were celebrating breaking up from school ahead of their GCSE and A-level exams.

On Twitter, officers wrote: "A few [anti-social behaviour] logs over the past couple of nights where youngsters are celebrating leaving school before their exams, only issue is the underage drinking and rubbish that they’re leaving behind."

On social media, Bassett residents praised the police for their efforts. Many suggested the youngsters deserved a little sympathy One man wrote: "We've all been that age and done it. Cut them some slack."

While it is obviously illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, anyone of any age can buy a barbecue.