PARENTS of more than 75 youngsters across the Ribble Valley have been sent a "get a grip on your kids' message under a pioneering police scheme.

The Juvenile Referral Scheme, launched in the area on April 1, to slash anti-social behaviour, nuisance and disorder has already been hailed a success.

The three-tier scheme is kick-started when youngsters are caught making a nuisance of themselves.

PC Gail Whiteoak, who is co-ordinating the project, said that out of the 88 youngsters stopped in the Ribble Valley, 78 have automatically been put on a database and a letter has been sent to their parents. If the youngsters continue making trouble -- in the six months after the initial letter is sent out -- a second warning letter is sent to parents with copies to the child's school and the education welfare officer. Finally, the youngster and parents are called into the police station to draw up an action plan to tackle the anti-social behaviour.

Nine parents have received a second letter and three meetings have been set up for Ribble Valley youngsters.

The remaining 10 youngsters' details have been entered on the database and they have been given verbal warnings.

PC Whiteoak said: "It's going really well. I must admit I was expecting a rise in the number of youngsters causing nuisance during the summer holidays, but there has hardly been a rise at all.

"I think the first letters have hit home and the scheme is proving to be a success, but it is a long-term project."

The scheme, launched in July 1999, slashed juvenile nuisance in Blackburn and Darwen by 80 per cent in nine months.

Police have sent letters to the parents of almost 600 youngsters and have set up a database of their names and addresses.