POLICE in west Gateshead are ensuring young people have plenty to do this summer holiday.

Cash from Westhelp, set up in the area command to help community projects, and the Home Office Community Cohesion Fund is being used to support a number of initiatives for youngsters aged up to 18.

In addition, the Offbeat summer programme of activities is taking place. This year the event is being sponsored by Nike, in conjunction with Gateshead Council, and involves various activities at schools across the borough.

Also, as part of an operation across the Gateshead West area command and following consultation with headteachers, there will be regular patrols made of schools during the day and evening by regular officers and Special Constables.

A total of £8,100 has been given by Westhelp to fund five projects in Gateshead West. This consists of: £1,599 to Kibblesworth Nature Club, enabling it to open for five hours one day a week for the summer holidays; £1,085 to buy equipment for Whickham Youth Club and £1,200 to run an accredited 25-day fitness-related course throughout the summer at Birtley Young People's Club.

The Lobley Hill Youth Centre received £1,450 towards the cost of a three-week summer programme, while the Birtley Youth Centre was awarded £2,775 to open a community house.