CHILDREN living in some of East Lancashire's poorest areas enjoyed the chance to try out new activities as part of a Government-funded half-term treat.

More than 70 youngsters aged between 12 and 14 have taken part in the scheme. Among them were 10 persistent young offenders being looked after by the youth offending team and a number of others who have been excluded from school.

But the majority of the group were children who would not normally have access to the facilities provided.

The activities were paid for from the Government North West community cohesion fund for projects to benefit young people from different ethnic backgrounds, set up after the riots in Burnley .

A grant of £12,000, was given to this project organised by PC Steve Cox and Pavinder Sohal, head youth worker based at the New Era complex in Paradise Street, Accrington.

PC Cox, who is involved with Eastern Division's minorities team, said the project brought together a wide group of youngsters, including a good mix of ethnic backgrounds.

He said: "A big part of this is crime diversion and it addresses a number of issues. One of the main ones is that it gets them off the street and keeps them busy for six days through the half-term.

"The vast majority would not have got themselves in bother anyway but juvenile nuisance and crime is increasingly being talked about and anything that can help has to be a good thing".

The children were divided into three groups which visited Hyndburn Leisure Centre, Whitehough Outdoor Pursuit Centre and spent two days mountain biking with the British Cycling Association.