MIDNIGHT football matches are being set up to keep teenagers off the streets and away from crime.

Community leaders are staging late night games because they think it will reduce crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour - especially late at night when louts are most likely to strike.

Burnley Community Safety Partnership is funding the initiative to stop teenagers hanging around on street corners causing a nuisance, by getting them involved in sporting activities.

The £8,000 "Midnight League" project will kick-off in January, taking place every Friday from 10pm to midnight.

The project will target 14-16 year olds in deprived areas - where children are more likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs.

It is part of a national initiative promoted by John Prescott's Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Organisers say other such schemes have been a huge success, including a basketball league in Manchester that went on to create basketball academies.

The Partnership's Sports Development Manager Ibby Khan said: "We want to create this atmosphere that young people have something to do at night time and at these times when they are vulnerable to commit offences and nuisance.

"These problems tend to happen late at night. It makes sure they are not hanging about on the streets but creates a feeling of safety for residents on the street. If they have lads and lasses hanging about on the street they can feel unsafe.

"We are trying to encourage other teams to enter, such as police teams and local firms, so that these people are playing with others in the community, not just taking part in activities with peers."

Mr Khan said youngsters would not be encouraged to "step out their bedroom window" late at night to take part but parental consent would be sought and full health and safety regulations observed.

He said younger children would take part earlier in the session and not up till midnight.

Organisers will also try to get the youngsters involved in anger management and drugs awareness lessons.

Community leaders today backed the idea.

Daneshouse and Stoneyholme councillor Rafique Malik said: "It's a reality that there are kids on the street till midnight so if they can be provided some sort of constructive activity then we should explore all avenues.

"Some people will not approve of it. To provide sports for all, if they have to go to that length, I would not be against it."

Coun Carole Galbraith said: "It's a great idea. I think it will appeal to kids and reduce crime."

She said youngsters who did not want to play could still get involved as supporters.

Wendy Graham, who runs an over 55s group in the Trinity area of Burnley, said with long nights drawing in some members are fearful to attend without transport organised in advance.

She added: "It can be intimidating when you see kids hanging about on street corners. There's a lot of it in the Piccadilly area with big gangs of up to 30 kids and there's been trouble that's stemmed from that.

"We welcome anything that these kids can do as opposed to just hanging about."

Sarah Green, of Piccadilly Community Action Group, said: "I think it's a brilliant idea. Anything for the children is good."