POLICE are backing a project to foster good behaviour and performance among pupils at five comprehensives in the Sunderland area.

Ten pupils from each school showing the most consistent improvements are to get free training sessions at Warden Law karting circuit, near Houghton-le-Spring.

The scheme is an incentive to encourage pupils, aged 11 to 15, to stay out of mischief, attend school and strive for better academic results.

Chief Inspector Dave Hills, operations manager for the Northumbria force's Sunderland City area, said: "We're keen to reward pupils who have demonstrated that they can improve their academic record and behaviour, both in and out of school, over a period of months.

"We were confident most young people would feel motivated to take part in the scheme, which is supported by Karting North-East.

"We're very pleased with the response from the pupils and schools. The overall aim is to encourage good behaviour by youngsters."

Force youth issues officer PC Neil Wrightson dismissed suggestions that former mischief-makers were being rewarded with the free karting sessions.

The first group of youngsters to take up their free karting tuition were from Southmoor School.