POLICE have praised a group of Darlington teenagers who have set up their own rave after winning nearly £6,000 in funding.

The events at Longfield School have given students something to do on a Friday night - and led to a drop in anti-social behaviour in the North Road area.

The events are organised by pupils, including 14-year-olds Josh Charles, Connor Fullerton, James Humble, Michael Caygill, and Adam Growcott.

The group started the raves after applying for a £6,000 grant from the DOSH fund - Darlington Borough Council's version of a Government scheme that aims to award youths the cash needed to set up events in their communities.

David Kirton, the neighbourhood police sergeant for the North Road area, helped the teenagers set up the event.

He said: "At the first rave we had about 170 kids in there - that night there were no reports of anti-social behaviour in the North Road area. The rave really gives young people something to do, and it's something they enjoy.

"These lads have taken some really positive action to do something for themselves and their schoolmates.

"Their application for the grant was very good. They book the DJs and help with the design of the posters and tickets. They have done a cracking job."

For more information on the DOSH fund, or to apply for a grant, contact the Youth Service on 01325-346431.