A SUPPORT group to keep youngsters on the right side of the law has been given an important funding boost.

ADDvance in Hartlepool helps young people with attention disorder, a condition which in some cases can lead to unruly and anti-social behaviour.

The voluntary group has been given £2,500 to help raise awareness of the problem, and to organise more activities for children with the condition, and their families.

The cash has come from the Tackling Crime Together project, which is funded by the Owton Rossmere Single Regeneration Budget Partnership, which helps support small-scale crime prevention and community safety schemes in the Owton Rossmere area.

Shelia Hudson, head of ADDvance said: "This is a vital grant for us. It comes at a time when we are developing a drop-in centre for young people with attention disorders, and to offer encouragement and support to their families."

A qualified youth worker, Ms Hudson works with GPs, schools, the police and social services and helps 30 young people, aged between eight and 20, with the Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ADDvance rents a room at the Rossmere Youth Centre, and runs after-school activities including arts and crafts and sport.