POLICE in two North Yorkshire towns have set up a fitness club for young people, in a bid to provide them with an alternative to hanging around on the streets.

Local officers in Boroughbridge and Knaresborough have set up a boxing and powerlifting club for young people in conjunction with a local gym.

They have teamed up with the owners of the Absolute Fitness Gym in Roecliffe near Boroughbridge and will be providing the regular sessions for local youngsters.

Police Community Support Officer Jak Bell, of North Yorkshire Police, said the initiative was designed to give local young people something to focus their energies on.

The cost is £5 a night and anyone interested in joining can turn up to the sessions.

“There’s not a great deal of activities for young people in the area and want to give local kids a place to go to focus their energies on, rather than hanging around the streets,” he said.

“My thanks go to the owner of Absolute Fitness for his support with the clubs and the opportunity to give local youngsters a sporting chance.

“Anyone who is interested in joining should simply come along to either of the first sessions, or both if they wish.”

The sessions are open to 13 to 18-year-olds and will cost £5 per night.

The first boxing session will be held on Monday, September 3at 7pm.

The first powerlifting session will be at 6pm on Thursday, September 6 at 6pm.

Both of the sessions will be held at Absolute Fitness, based on Brick Yard Lane in Roecliffe.