SPORTY youngsters are playing water polo thanks to the efforts of a local bobby.
PC Andy Taylor, community beat manager for the Southwick area of Sunderland, is a keen player.
He is passing on his enthusiasm for the sport by running coaching sessions at the Hylton Centre swimming pool for 15 primary school pupils aged eight to ten.
The sessions are backed by the Northumbria force, which is supporting the Positive Futures scheme, which encourages youngsters to adopt positive and healthy lifestyles.
The scheme has organised a wide range of activities for youngsters in Southwick and North Washington.
Positive Futures is a partnership between the Home Office, Sport England, Football Foundation and Youth Justice Board.
The Home Office gives most of the funding and the scheme is run by Sunderland City Council and Sunderland Youth Offending Service.
An open day showcasing the scheme will be held today at Shakespeare House, Shakespeare Street, Southwick, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Chief Inspector John Brady, from Sunderland City area command, said: "This open day will celebrate the successes of these young people."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article