A SCHEME to keep young people off the streets and out of trouble during the school holidays will be launched in Hartlepool today.

Summer Splash offers a range of activities, including canoeing, basketball, music and dance, arts and crafts, and barbecues.

Aimed at young people aged 11 to 20, the programme is funded by the Youth Justice Board, and run in partnership by Hartlepool Youth Service and the town's youth offending service, with support from the voluntary sector.

Summer Splash will get under way at 1pm today, when anyone interested should attend Brinkburn Youth Centre, where most of the activities will take place.

Some are also due to be held at Belle Vue Sports Community and Youth Centre.

Activities will be held on a daily basis, from 1pm to 4pm, until Friday, August 31. There will be a charge of 20p a day, with proceeds being ploughed back into the scheme.

Gary Arnold, forum development worker with Hartlepool Youth Service, said: "The aim is to involve young people in fun and educational activities that will divert them from anti-social behaviour during the holidays.