POLICE and children gathered yesterday to celebrate the success of a scheme to cut youth crime in Grangetown.

Officers said anti-social behaviour had reduced dramatically due to activities organised to keep youngsters off the streets.

Between April and August this year, the number of recorded incidents was 433, compared to 590 in the same period last year.

Cleveland Police Inspector Charlie Bell said this was due to the "tremendous" work done by local volunteers to keep children aged eight to 14 occupied.

"We hope the success achieved will lead to an expansion of this provision and co-operation for not only next summer but for other school holidays," said Grangetown youth development officer Kathy Lloyd.