The Scottish parliament has backed plans to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in Scotland.

MSPs passed the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Bill in Holyrood on Thursday.

The legislation was agreed as part of the Scottish executive coalition agreement between Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

First minister Jack McConnell said the plans would "help bring respect back into our communities".

"These powers are absolutely vital if we are to win our fight against the mindless hooligans who spoil so many lives," he said.

Among the measures in the legislation are moves to reduce the age at which anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) can be used from 16 to 12.

In addition the Bill would allow courts to extend the geographical scope of ASBOs and introduce a statutory power of arrest for breach of an order.

Controversially, the legislation would allow senior police officers, after consultation with the relevant local authority, to designate an area for the dispersal of groups where "significant and persistent" anti-social behaviour has occurred.

Such a designation would allow police officers to direct individuals in a group who are not from the area to leave it for a period of up to 24 hours if they are causing distress to members of the public.

MSPs voted down a motion to through out the dispersal powers by 63 votes to 34 with 20 abstentions.

Other powers would allow local councils to tackle "nuisance noise", while the police would be able to issue fixed penalty notices in some cases.

Scottish ministers are also aiming to introduce Parenting Orders, Restriction of Liberty Orders and Community Reparation Orders.