YOUNG people have thrown their weight behind police in their fight against crime by getting involved in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

The latest scheme has been set up in Gateshead East Area Command, and follows the success of a similar project in Chandless Estate in February.

Teenagers already meet on Wednesdays, in St Mary's Community Hall, in the Chandless Estate and can now also meet on Thursdays at St James' village hall, Sunderland Road, where the agenda is not just about crime prevention.

In between chatting and playing pool the young people will have the chance to discuss issues affecting them with regular guest speakers.

The meetings are held from 7.15pm at both the venues and help Northumbria Police to build bridges with the younger generation, in a bid to reduce crime and disorder