A NEW scheme aiming to cut the amount of crime committed by bored youngsters is to go on trial in Catterick Village.

Teenagers left to amuse themselves have been blamed for a growing number of incidents of vandalism and criminal damage in the area.

But now North Yorkshire County Council's Street Life Detached Youth Work Project will be bringing a mobile shelter to the village.

The shelter will offer the same sort of facilities as a youth centre and will give youth workers somewhere to meet young people.

The shelter will also provide information and advice on health, education, employment and leisure opportunities elsewhere in the district.

Other parts of the county that use mobile shelters have reported a drop in the amount of nuisance and damage caused by youngsters.

County council spokeswoman Sara Collins said: "This is an exciting initiative which we feel will help young people gain the skills to allow them to interact with each other and the rest of their community in a positive way.

"We will be encouraging young people to take a full and active role in working with adults to develop their communities."

The shelter will be on show at the launch of the Street Life Detached Youth Work Project tomorrow at Risedale Community College.