A BAND is touring schools on Teesside to deliver a musical message about crime.

Backed by Crimestoppers North East, the performances will deliver a positive lifestyle message to pupils in Billingham, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough.

Three-strong girl band Untouched will tour schools, singing to children aged between 10 and 14.

Joyce Gawthorpe, regional spokeswoman for Crimestoppers, said: "Young people are always interested in music and when you have a real live pop band that sings and does dance routines, it really captures their attention.

"This way, we get our message across in a fun and educational way."

The performers will work with police and teaching staff to drive home messages about citizenship and crime, including the importance of staying healthy, the consequences of crime and taking drugs and how bullying can escalate to more serious offending.

The curtain goes up on the first show today at Brierton Community School, in Hartlepool, with a second performance at Dyke House School in the afternoon.

The band will make appearances at Northfield School, Billingham, and Gilbrook Technology College, in South Bank, Middlesbrough, on Wednesday, Manor College of Technology, Hartlepool, on Thursday, and finish the tour at English Martyrs, in Hartlepool, on Friday.