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

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

Although the funding has been provided half way through the summer holidays, 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 holidays by Wear Valley District Council.

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

Julie Wynn, community leisure officer for Wear Valley District Council, said: "Parts of Weardale do suffer from rural deprivation.

"For young people there are also issues of transport and facilities available in these areas.

"Even stopping back after school when you live on a farm causes problems, because there might not be another bus back.

"Apart from the big rush of getting a programme together in such a short space of time, we are very pleased to have got the money."

For more details of the activities, telephone the council's community services department on (01388) 761541.