THE Home Office has handed out a £33,000 grant to steer bored youngsters away from crime in Weardale this summer.

The money is awarded for schemes that divert young people from vandalism and other petty crimes, which increase during the long summer holiday.

The windfall arrived half-way through the holidays, but already a two-week programme of tennis, football, cricket, rugby coaching, drama, self-defence and circus skills has been drawn up for the remainder of the school break by Wear Valley District Council.

The activities will take place in Stanhope, Rookhope, Tow Law, Wolsingham, Frosterley and St John's Chapel and are aimed at young people aged 11 and above.

Julie Wynn, community leisure officer at Wear Valley District Council said: "Crime figures always rise considerably over the summer months and the Home Office wanted to stop that with its grants.

"Parts of Weardale do suffer from rural deprivation. For young people there are also issues of transport and facilities available in these areas."

For more details of the activities call, the community services department on (01388) 761541.