POLICE and sports leaders are joining forces to take youngsters off the streets and keep them away from alcohol and drugs.

And the Sport and Alcosense Project will have two local bases -Howe Bridge Sports Centre and Bedford High School.

Already 700 youngsters have signed up for the project backed by Wigan Council Sports Development, Youth Services and the police.

Top sporting stars will launch the project at Robin Park, Wigan on July 13.

Explaining the scheme, police school liaison officer Jeff Williams said: "When we are called to deal with youngsters on the street they always tell us 'there's nothing to do and nowhere to go'.

"This is a sporting alternative to hanging about on the streets."

Organisers, including 14 police officers, are now looking to plans for next year.

Ben Worthington from Sports Development is encouraging anyone over 16 years old to come forward for training on the Community Sports Leader Award scheme.

"This is a worthwhile course lasting 30 hours which will help them help the community," said Ben.

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