HUNDREDS of teenagers have attended a good citizenship school.

Lessons ranged from drug workshops to warnings from ex-convicts, designed to "dispel along the way many of the myths surroundings crime and media glamorisation of criminality".

More than 300 children attended the Justice Support Project's Youth Citizenship Event, held at the Oakwood Centre, in Eaglescliffe, yesterday.

They were told by police officers how even seemingly insignificant misdemeanours can lead to a career in crime.

Judge Peter Fox gave the youngsters an insight into the criminal justice system while victim support, sexual health, citizens' rights and environmental issues were among other themes examined.

Drama group Team Players worked with groups on anti-social behaviour, bullying and intimidation, raising self esteem, goal setting and personal development.

A spokesman for the project organisers said: "By the end of the day they will have a greater understanding of both the rights and the responsibilities entailed in citizenship and of the effects that anti social behaviour and criminality have upon individuals and society in general.''