NEIGHBOURHOOD officers in an area of Stockton have set up a junior football league as part of a drive to forge better links between police and youngsters on their beat.

The five-a-side mini-league kicked off yesterday, at the Tilery Sports Centre, on the Albany Estate, Norton, and will run for a trial of 14 weeks.

PC Paul Lockwood and police community support officer (PCSO) Graham Clyburn, who police the area, are keen to get the initiative underway to give youngsters more activities to focus on in their spare time.

PC Lockwood said: "We are keen to build relationships with young people, and find out what type of activities they are interested in, to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.

"This is a chance for youngsters to have some fun with their friends, while taking part in regular exercise and, hopefully, we will be able to reach out to disadvantaged individuals."

The scheme is funded by Connexions PAYP (Positive Activities for Young People), which provides activities for youngsters aged eight to 19 who are at risk of social exclusion or disengaging from education, training or employment.

PC Lockwood said: "Working with Connexions PAYP has given us a good opportunity to forge better relations with the young people in our ward.

"By using the means of a social sport, it is an activity everyone can become involved in and enjoy."

Marilyn Davies, Stockton Borough Council's community safety manager, welcomed the scheme.

She said: "Anything that can help build links between the police and local kids is a good thing.

"I also think it's a great thing for the officers, because getting positively involved in people's lives will help them forge some strong relationships with the local community.

"I hope the league is a great success, and that the kids and officers have fun."

Similar schemes, using other facilities in the area, are being planned and will, hopefully, be in place for the summer holidays.

Anyone interested in joining the league can register their details with PC Lockwood or PCSO Clyburn on 01642-306617 or 306618.