TROUBLEMAKERS have been 'distressing' elderly villagers by ringing their doorbells and running off.

William Fletcher Primary School in Yarnton has notified parents of the mischief, having been asked to do so by Yarnton Parish Council.

A message in the school newsletter on Thursday said: "We have had a request from the parish council to alert our families to some poor behaviour in the village.

"The parish council have had reports from residents living in Pixey Close having their door bells rung and then the person running away.

"This has been particularly distressing for older people living in the close."

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There is no suggestion that the culprits are pupils at the school, and the letter said it was more likely that 'these are older children who do not attend William Fletcher behaving in this way'.

The message further advised parents: "If you are aware of any youngsters who are misbehaving in this manner could you please contact the police or the parish council."

Ringing on doorbells or knocking on doors and running off is by no means a new childhood prank.

The game, sometimes called Knock, Knock, Ginger or Dong Dong Ditch, is thought to date back to the 19th century.