A SCHEME to tackle anti-social behaviour over the summer holidays has been launched by police in South Bank.

Bobbies Hobbies, which has been running for several years, was set up to demonstrate to local youngsters that getting involved in the project is beneficial to them and the rest of the community.

This year's project was put together by the South Bank community police team with South Bank Tomorrow, Kara Family Project, Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust and Redcar and Cleveland Youth Service.

Police community support officer Andy Harrison said: "We aim to promote good behaviour throughout the programme, which will be rewarded by inclusion in further events.

"By encouraging good citizenship skills amongst the young people, they will hopefully be averted from committing crime and carrying out nuisance behaviour in the neighbourhood."

A diary of events has been drawn up to run between August 1 and September 2. Youngsters, with a £1 registration fee, can enjoy the full range of activities.

Youngsters aged between eight and 16 will be able to chose from football, cricket, go-karting, swimming, ice skating, hiking and bowling. Each week culminates with a trip to a fun park, such as Lightwater Valley and Flamingo Land.

Last year, the initiative attracted more than 120 children from the area.

Registration is now taking place at the South Bank Tomorrow office in Golden Bay Green.