MORE than 100 children have signed up to an innovative project to get kids off the streets in a deprived area of Darlington.

Darlington police's StreetSafe team, which has co-ordinated the West Side project at Branksome School, is thrilled with the response.

Ten people have come forward to offer to help to run the project.

The police, with the help of Darlington's youth service and support from across the community, have set up the pilot project to open Branksome School on Friday nights for youth activities.

The scheme kicks off with a rave at the school on July 1 and then continues for at least 16 weeks.

Activities will range from discos, raves, driving theory lessons, army training and a session on a climbing wall.

The StreetSafe unit was launched in February to try to reduce the problem of anti-social behaviour across Darlington - following almost 5,000 reports of youths causing annoyance in the town over 12 months.

The unit has enjoyed some success. Police officers have restricted the alcohol supply to many teenagers and befriended some of the youths who cause trouble.

Much of the focus of the unit has been in Branksome, where there is very little for young people to do.

Police hope that by providing youngsters with activities, anti-social behaviour will reduce even further.

The ultimate goal is to have more youth provision in all areas of the town.

PC Vince Myhan, of the StreetSafe unit, said the police were very excited about the progress of the West Side project. Branksome School pupils can apply for membership and can sign in their friends from other schools.

PC Myhan said: "We have already had more than 100 membership applications and people living in the area have been very supportive.

"People seem to realise that there needs to be something for these kids to do."

He said the unit would still like to hear from anyone else who might be able to volunteer.

Officers are interested in up-and-coming DJs and youngsters trying to get in the music industry, who might be able to give up an evening to take part.

For details, contact the unit on (01325) 346494.