A mobile shelter is to provide a safe haven for young people to meet in the Hambleton district.

The £6,600 building will spend three months in set venues, but if successful it is hoped similar structures will become permanent fixtures across the district.

The Hambleton Community Safety Partnership has bought one of the youth shelters which have already proved a big hit in other parts of the UK.

Now officers are to talk to the town councils in Bedale, Northallerton, Thirsk, Easingwold and Stokesley to find suitable venues.

Partnership officer Tim Woods said: "This portable shelter is an ideal way of finding out the viability and position of a facility before a permanent one is erected.

"Where they have been used in other parts of the country they have been found to reduce crime and the fear of crime - for both local residents and the young people themselves.

"When youths congregate on street corners their actions can raise fears, even if they are just hanging out with their friends.

"Giving them somewhere to meet, somewhere that is their own, can reduce those fears and we hope will greatly reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour."

Anyone with suggestions for possible locations can call Mr Woods on (01609) 767196.