A GRASSROOTS football project is helping authorities in Hartlepool to build bridges with local youngsters.
The multi-agency Hartbeat/ Barnardo's Fast (Families Accessing Support Team) initiative has proved a huge success since being set up in March last year.
The scheme was launched to give young people a place to play football away from residential areas.
About 60 boys and girls, aged between eight and 18, meet every Monday night at the West View Primary School field to receive training from FA-qualified coaches.
Police community support officers (PCSOs) and representatives of Cleveland Fire Brigade regularly attend training sessions to build relationships and engage with the community.
Inspector Glen Ward, of Cleveland Police, said: "This project is a typical example of neighbourhood policing at its best, and one which helps us to engage more closely with local residents."
Fast co-ordinator Lindsay Gould said: "The support for the project has been fantastic.
"Not only does it give the young people a place to go on an evening where there is a structured activity, but it also provides the opportunity for them to build relationships with their local PCSOs and the fire service."
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