YOUNGSTERS in Middlesbrough are to be shown how antisocial behaviour affects others, at an event starting today.

Easterside Respect Week has been organised by Middlesbrough Council's neighbourhood safety team to encourage young people to think about their neighbourhood.

Ten and 11-year-olds at Easterside Primary School and St Thomas More School are taking part in a programme of events through to Friday.

Today, the youngsters will take part in a litter-pick before hearing about graffiti and chewing gum removal, from the local area care team.

They will also spend some time with police officers, police dogs, horses, motorbikes and a traffic car.

Tomorrow, anti-social behaviour and fire safety will be the key issues, with a Who Wants To Be A Fire Safety Millionaire quiz, followed by a game of tag rugby.

The final day starts with a fun It's A Knockout games session, followed by a tour of Middlesbrough Fire Station and a prizegiving.

Neighbourhood safety officer Joanne Russell, who has co-ordinated the event, said: "We hope to get the youngsters thinking about how their behaviour affects their environment and each other, and to encourage them to have respect.

"We hope to reinforce the messages they are given in school, and in doing so reduce the amount of crime and anti-social behaviour that neighbourhoods often suffer.

"The events held in Beechwood and Clairville during April were a huge success, with the young people left wanting more."

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for community protection, said: "It's often said that our young people are our future and nowhere is that more true than in Middlesbrough.

"I'm sure the youngsters in Easterside will have a great time during Respect Week, along with a renewed understanding of the role they can play in making their community a safer, better place to live and work."

For further information about Respect Week, contact Joanne Russell on 01642-728157.