A GUIDE to help police officers 'break the ice' with young people was launched this week.

Teenagers have helped to produce the resource pack, Give Us a Chance, which contains advice to help the police to engage with the younger generation.

It was drawn up with beat bobbies in mind as a means of breaking barriers with young people, who are often perceived as anti-social nuisances by the general population.

Durham Children's and Young People's Council drew up the guide which offers suggestions on how misconceptions can be avoided.

Various role play activities and other exercises are outlined, and the pack offers practical tips on seeing the other side's point of view.

It also contains a list of useful contact numbers. The young people's council was set up to allow the young people in the county to voice their opinions and make changes about relevant issues.

They approached Durham Police's community safety department for help in putting together the document, which was launched at County Hall, on Tuesday.

Several young people discussed their ideas with police at the event.

One of the scenarios performed was designed to outline the legal rights available to young people and the powers of the police.

Sgt Brad Howe, of the Durham Police community safety department, appreciated the efforts of the youngsters involved in the production of Give Us a Chance.

He said: "A lot of hard work has gone into producing the resource pack and it should be a great help in building bridges between the two sides."

The young people's council is funded by Durham County Council, development agency One NorthEast and Save the Children UK.