A PILOT scheme that will reward thousands of youngsters for good behaviour and excellent schoolwork was launched this weekend.

The Smart Card scheme will see students in Derwentside earn points that can be redeemed as free access to leisure facilities or gifts from businesses.

During the first year, the scheme will be rolled out across north-west Durham to 15 schools and 2,800 pupils, aged four to 16.

It kicked off with a weekend of activities at the Louisa Centre, in Stanley, and the Belle Vue Leisure Centre, in Consett.

Galaxy FM DJ Streetboy provided music at the events, which included face painting, aerobics, football and trampolining.

Eleanor Seed, Derwentside's young people's officer, said: "All the rewards are centred around healthy living, such as the leisure centres.

"The events are similar to the activities that the kids can use their cards for."

Leader of Derwentside District Council, Councillor Alex Watson, officially launched the scheme along with Lauren Wright and Owen Stafford, the chairman and vice-chair of the district's Young People's Forum.

Project officer Nick Tzamarias said: "The Young People's Forum played an important part because part of the scheme is to promote citizenship.

"The forum is not just a talking shop, it has its own budget. The members have organised this event, planned it and helped deliver it."

A £50,000 grant from the North East Smart Card Consortium (NERSC) helped launch the project.

Extra finance came from Derwentside District Council.

It is the first project of its kind in County Durham and the first stage will concentrate on a reward scheme for citizenship activities and a loyalty scheme through leisure services.

Points can be exchanged for CD vouchers, or redeemed at council-run outlets such as the Belle Vue Centre, the Belle Vue Swim Centre and the Louisa Leisure Centre.

The second stage of the pilot will include partnership initiatives with police and the primary care trust, focusing on issues such as healthy lifestyles and how young people can be safe.