AN association has been launched to give youngsters on a North Durham estate something to do.

The Junior Jets Association, for youngsters aged nine to 16, is the brainchild Madelaine Cowen, chairman of the Jet Residents' Association at Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

She decided to do something because the youngsters living on the former pit village's Jet Estate were "running wild".

Today, about 15 members are doing a four-mile sponsored walk to Consett, the first in a series of fundraising events to fund the group's activities.

Mrs Cowen said there was nothing for the children to do previously, and that the group seemed to have calmed them down.

"So far, we have got 24 youngsters and they have formed themselves into a committee.

"We are doing the sponsored walk and we are planning to do a sponsored bag pack at the local Disco supermarket. We also plan to hold a disco at the Clavering Youth Club at some point in September.

"We are hoping that the youngsters will go rock climbing at Newton Aycliffe with PC Kevin Alder."

The youngsters have been told if they get the money together they can apply for funds for a place to go roller blading.