A GROUP of youngsters got together to master the skill needed for whitewater rafting yesterday.
More than 500 young people from across County Durham have taken part in a summer of fun activities which included taking part in canoeing and whitewater rafting at the Tees Barrage as part of Splash 2001.
Splash is being run as a partnership between County Durham Youth Offending Service (Yos) a partnership between Durham County Council, police, probation and Health and Copelaw Education. Funded by the Youth Justice Board, it is part of a number of social inclusion schemes across County Durham coordinated by the Yos under the umbrella of Cosip (Coordination of social inclusion programmes).
Christina Blythe, head of County Durham Youth Offending Service said: "Splash 2001 is unique among schemes in that it is socially inclusive. Groups include a range of young people, including some who have begun to offend.
"The focus is prevention of anti-social behaviour and crime, constructive use of leisure time and development of key skills.
"Peer pressure is a strong influence and our aim is to mix some young people who are exhibiting anti-social behaviour with those who provide good role models."
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