A COLNE schoolboy has been banned by magistrates from wearing a hood to protect the public.

Nicky East, 14, of Duke Street, is only allowed to put his hood up when the weather is bad under the interim anti-social behaviour order. It is thought to be only the second order of its kind made in the country.

Today, civil rights campaigners blasted the magistrates' decision saying 'criminalising' clothing would not improve behaviour.

A spokesman for civil rights group Liberty said: "The UK has been described by the Council of Europe as being in the grips of ASBO mania. Mr Blair proposes to instil a culture of respect in the United Kingdom but criminalising children and items of clothing is not the way to go about it."

Many people claim to find youths wearing hooded sweatshirts intimidating and the clothing has been linked to crime. Bluewater Shopping Centre banned hooded tops, along with baseball caps and swearing, in May because some customers did not feel 'comfortable' in the mall at certain times of the week. Visitor numbers rose as a result.

Meanwhile, Maestag Comprehensive School announced hoodies would be confiscated but Coombeshead College in Devon introduced them as part of school uniform after the principal criticised "hysterical" stereotyping of hoodie wearers as thugs.

East, of Duke Street, Colne, was given the interim ASBO after Burnley Magistrates decided the public needed protecting from his conduct. Lancashire Police is seeking a full order and the interim order runs until July 22.

Under the order, East is banned from wearing hooded tops with the hood up or items which obscure his face. He is also not allowed to cause harassment, alarm or distress and must not incite others.

He was warned not to throw any objects at people or property, or in the direction of people or property, except when playing legitimate ball games or other sports.

East must not associate in groups of more than five, including himself, other than immediate family members, in any public place, except when attending supervised organised activities, such as youth clubs or holiday clubs.

East is not the first youngster to be banned from wearing a hoodie. Dale Carroll, 16, from Manchester, cannot don a hoodie for five years after a campaign of violence under the terms of an ASBO given last month.

Hoodies Uncovered

o People are often intimidated by groups of hooded youngsters who are blamed for anti-social behaviour.

o Dale Carroll, 16, of Collyhurst, Manchester was banned from wearing a hooded top for five years in May.

o Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent banned hoodies as part of a new 'code of conduct' in May.

o Maesteg Comprehensive near Bridgend banned pupils from wearing hoodies earlier this month.

o Hoodies are now part of the school uniform at Coombeshead College in Devon.