VOLUNTEERS who have helped run an innovative project which has cut anti-social behaviour in part of Darlington have been rewarded by police.

The Westside Project has seen Branksome School opened to youngsters on Fridays for rave nights and other activities.

It was set up by a team from Darlington police and launched in July. It was designed to reduce reports of youths causing annoyance in the west side of the town.

The project has been kept running by volunteers with the support of the police and Darlington Borough Council's youth service. But from next month, the council is to take over the running of the project. To mark the volunteers' contribution, Chief Inspector Dave Cromarty, of Darlington Police, presented them with certificates on Friday.

Speaking above the noise of the ongoing rave, he told them: "Personally, I think you deserve a medal. It is brilliant what you have been doing.

"The results speak for themselves. This is a real-life project and it has taken kids off the streets and given them something to do and that has helped our crime levels."

The volunteers, Branksome School, Connexions and the Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise (Cable) were presented with certificates.

Since it was launched, the project has struggled for funding - and on Friday, Darlington Round Table presented the project with £2,000 towards the running costs.

Andrew Duckworth, chairman of the group, said: "We always help causes within the Darlington borough and if this gets the kids off the streets and stops them committing crime, then it is a good thing."

Pam Scott, assistant headteacher of Branksome School, said: "Schools should be part of the community and it is great that the kids come here.

"On Friday night, you don't see the gangs of kids that you used to."

Scott Denham, 11, from Branksome School, said: "I look forward to coming here for the dancing."

Megan Mason, 11, said: "I like coming here and being with all my mates."

A spokesman for Darlington Borough Council said: "We have agreed to take the project lead and we will be working with our partners and the community to take this project forward."