A NEW initiative which aims to offer disillusioned teenagers an alternative to crime was launched in North Yorkshire yesterday.

Colburn, Catterick and Scotton are all communities which have suffered at the hands of gangs of youths, some of whom are responsible for spates of vandalism, intimidation and even arson.

Closed-circuit television cameras have gone up in an attempt to deter them from gathering in some areas which have been particularly hard hit - although others then tend to suffer. However, North Yorkshire youth workers point out not all youngsters are troublemakers; their work in all three communities has helped keep many on the straight and narrow.

It is hoped that the new mobile youth centre, unveiled at Risedale College in Catterick Garrison yesterday, will prove to be the next step.

"We originally planned to have permanent youth shelters for all three communities but no one wanted them near their homes," said spokeswoman Sara Collins.

"As a result we thought a mobile centre, which we can put up and take down, would be a solution.

"It is dry and warm and an ideal place to meet and have a cup of coffee.

"Youngsters will have access to advice on a broad range of issues as well as somewhere to plan future events."

The mobile centre's maiden outing will be at the Catterick Garrison Open Day at Marne Barracks on Saturday, June 22.

After that, regular visits are planned to Catterick Village, Catterick Garrison, Colburn, Scotton, Tunstall and Scorton.