A TEAM of volunteers who keep young people off a town's streets is appealing for help to buy a minibus.

Almost 200 youngsters, from toddlers to teenagers, play football at Ferryhill's Dean Bank recreation park every week.

The club has ten teams and will soon hold practice sessions seven days a week to accommodate all its members.

The initiative, founded ten years ago by local couple Rita and David Foster, has won the support of police, community groups and the town council who believe it has had a positive impact on the area.

Beat officer PC Chris Metcalf said: "It has undoubtedly had a good impact on the area, reducing anti-social behaviour and the bigger fear of crime.

"To get this many kids involved in organised sport is really good, it keeps them away from the streets where some people find them intimidating simply because they are there."

Last year, 130 young footballers took part in a police-led citizenship scheme and were presented with awards after proving they were responsible citizens.

PC Metcalf has helped the group secure funds from a variety of sources to refurbish the changing rooms and buy strips.

Three strips have been presented to teams emblazoned with crime fighting messages 'Streetsafe', 'Say No To Drugs' and 'Durham Agency Against Crime'.

The town police team has also been instrumental in bringing Darlington Football Club's football in the community coaching scheme to the recreation ground every Friday to boost children's skills with professional coaching.

Mrs Foster said: "Chris is great with us. He helps us get grants we need to keep going, showing that we have the support of police must help with applications.

"The children love being coached by a proper football team and really feel part of something good.

"We now have 60 adult volunteers chipping in and desperately need a minibus to transport all the kids about to games."

Anyone who can help the club by proving transport or sponsorship is asked to call David or Rita Foster on (01740) 651508.