INVOLVING young people in planning policing has gained national recognition for the Cleveland Police Authority.

A report produced by the Association of Police Authorities highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at consulting with young people, including the production of "youth-proofed" versions of the Local Policing Plan, distributed to thousands of youngsters across the force area.

The authority invited young people from the West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust to help produce four versions of its Local Policing Plan - one for each of the force areas - tailored to appeal to young people.

Under the title, RU Bovvered?

- Coz We Are, the reports were distributed to 38,000 youngsters between the ages of 11 and 19.

The document included a freepost feedback form, inviting comments on crime and anti-social behaviour issues.

Councillor Dave McLuckie, police authority chairman, said: "We see consulting with and involving all sections of the community in developing policing services as a very important part of our work - and that includes young people.

"After all, they make up 20 per cent of our population and, while only a very small proportion of youngsters actually come to the attention of the police, they are more likely to become victims of crime and anti-social behaviour than any other group.

"The team of youngsters who helped us produce the plans did a tremendous job. They certainly looked very different than our normal style of documents, but that was what it was all about - making them appealing to a younger audience and, hopefully, persuading them to come forward with suggestions and ideas which we can take into account when planning our services for the years ahead."

The policing plan gave the youngsters an insight into the work of the force, including some of the more unusual aspects of police work, including handling calls from people wanting help to find their false teeth, losing their television remote control and running out of phone credit.

Chief Constable Sean Price said: "It is vital that we listen to the views and concerns of the public in planning our services, and that includes listening to young people."