PRESTON'S teenagers are set to have somewhere safe and alcohol-free for a night out in a move which should let parents breath a sigh of relief.

A new teen' disco, known as Heventeen, is starting up in Preston with the first event planned for December.

The company are responsible for running a similar night club in Blackpool, which has attracted television personalities like Footballers' Wives star Gary Lucy, and the police have welcomed them to this area.

Mark Bowden, owner of Heventeen, said: "We started two years ago in Blackpool. It has become the largest teen' event in the country." Events are planned for every school holidays, and Mark expects about 1,500 youngsters aged between 11 and 16, to join in.

Run from the company's website, youngsters can apply for a membership to Heventeen, and then get a discount on the door fee. And the membership ensures that anybody caught misbehaving can easily be identified.

Mark explained: "If anybody causes any bother we can just phone their parents.

"We can also send them newsletters and texts telling them when the next event is.

"And I try and involve the police as much as I can."

Preston police have praised the scheme for helping to get children off the streets. Previously, teenage discos have been held at Squires nightclub, Preston, but they were stopped after causing disorder.

Sergeant Steve Little, community safety officer, said: "It appears from the previous events in Blackpool they have been well run. We support any initiative which will involve young people engaging in positive activities."

The event is planned for December 18. Tickets are £6.50 for members and £7.50 for non-members on the door. Check the website www.heventeen.co.uk for more information.