A SPORTS equipment supplier has launched a new product which it hopes will help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across East Lancashire.

Samba Sports, based in Colne, has created the Samba Sports Store, a 20ft-long and 8ft-high steel unit with enough space for a variety of equipment.

It is completely watertight and has been designed, not only to solve storage problems, but also to foil thieves and vandals.

Bosses believe the unit will allow schools and clubs to offer more sporting opportunities to youngsters - something they hope will steer them away from anti-social behaviour.

Steve Hobson, a former crime reduction advisor for Greater Manchester Police, came up with the concept.

He said: “I spent 22 years working for GMP and one of the most effective methods for tackling anti-social behaviour was to get young people engaged in sport.

“The beauty of the sports store is you can site one by a sports field or village green and suddenly a sports coach has all the tools they need to deliver a host of different sessions.

“It’s a one-stop solution for anyone wanting to get people involved in sport.”

Samba Sports is also aiming to strike gold with its new product by cashing in on the buzz created by the 2012 Olympics.

Dubbed the ‘Olympic Games in a box’, the store includes folding goals, footballs, rugby balls, hurdle sets, kwik cricket sets, tennis equipment, volleyball sets and skipping ropes.

Managing director George Metcalfe said: “When Steve approached us with this idea, we had to get involved because, as far as we know, there is nothing else like it on the market.

“With the Olympic Games coming to London next year, we have a golden opportunity to inspire a new generation of sportsmen and women.

“Aside from solving storage issues, which can be a major problem for schools and sports clubs, the sports store is packed with enough equipment to stage a mini Olympics.”

Samba Sports, which has its headquarters in Walton Street, Waterside, is the UK’s number one supplier of portable uPVC goals.

It provides the goals to Premier League academies, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

The Sports Store Olympic package retails at £9,950 plus VAT.