A PILOT scheme of weekly sports and physical activities for east Durham youngsters has been hailed a success.

National charity StreetGames ran the sessions for six months across Peterlee and Horden,attracting up to 70 young people a week.

Funded by believe housing, thanks to £5,000 secured from public sector procurement organisation, Prosper, the activities were designed to provide new opportunities for ten to 16-year-olds in the town and help tackle antisocial behaviour.

There are now plans to make it permanent with street dance, gym and archery sessions already scheduled.

Claire Maddison from believe housing said: “StreetGames have made a huge success of the project and we’ve been impressed with how engaged the young people have been in it.”

With support from police, fire and rescue officers, Groundwork, plus local businesses StreetGames has helped a number of young people move away from anti-social behaviour, including one individual who had been removed from mainstream schooling.

Having attended almost every session, the young person’s behaviour has improved considerably, and she is even getting involved in the set-up of the sessions.

The project has now moved to East Durham College where the facilities are ideal for the expanding programme.

It has already been replicated in Bishop Auckland.