Children from across Darlington were brought together yesterday for a pool contest designed to prevent anti-social behaviour.

The youngsters, from various estates in the town were divided into teams, which under the direction of professional players battled it out with balls and cues.

The event at Riley's Snooker Club in Bondgate, Darlington, was organised by Community Crime Reduction Independent Social Partnership (CCRISP), which was formed two-and-a-half years ago.

It hopes that by bringing youngsters from across the town together, and dividing them into teams unrelated to their estates, they will get along and it will stop gangs from forming. About 20 children aged eight to 13 took part in yesterday's event.

Dave Regan, a member of CCRISP, said: "It went really well and they all enjoyed themselves.

"Riley's helped a lot by bringing in professional pool players who helped to teach the kids."

"We hope to put on more events but we need children to come forward with more ideas."

CCRISP will only put on events which the children have chosen themselves.