ACTIVITIES to stop young people in Darlington getting involved in crime over the summer holidays have received a £50,000 boost.

The money from the Home Office community cohesion fund will be used on a wide range of activities including community football tournaments and skills sessions, DJ workshops, a graffiti arts project and fitness events.

There will also be a series of community gigs at the Dolphin Centre.

The money has been awarded to the borough council following last year's successful £20,000 pilot scheme which saw a 25 per cent reduction in youth-related crime in the town over the six-week holiday period.

The additional funding for this year will mean that more young people aged between 11 and 17 will have more opportunities to take part in a wide range of projects.

As well as sports and leisure events there will be special social and cultural events,

The council's housing section will be organising a residential project with adults and young people aimed at generating more tolerance between the old and young.

Money has also been allocated for a cultural awareness project with the Sikh and Islamic communities.

Youngsters in disadvantaged areas of the town will be able to apply for free bus passes so they can join in the events.

Also about 100 free passes to the Dolphin Centre's Pulse gym suites will be issued.

A different programme of events is planned for the more rural areas of the borough such as Hurworth and Middleton St. George.

Bill Dixon, borough council cabinet member for social services, said: "This is excellent news for young people, parents and the whole of the community.

"The six weeks holiday can be a difficult time for everyone as young people and parents struggle to find things to fill the time.

"With this extra money we are able to deliver a full programme of events and activities which they can relate to and get involved with."

Detailed information about how to join in the events will be released shortly.