YOUNGSTERS will have a new place to hang out when a new play bus lifts off later this month.

The £170,000 SPACE bus is a specially designed double decker which is packed full of equipment to entertain youngsters from across Burnley and Padiham.

Onboard there are two X-boxes, two 19" flatscreen TVs, a 32" flatscreen with DVD player, internet access and a "chill-out zone" with laminate flooring and giant bean bags where friends can meet and chat in safety.

There is also a big brother style confidential diary room where youngsters can spend time with representatives from different statutory agencies to discuss any problems they may have in their personal, school or work life.

The vehicle will also have a trailer full of sports equipment so that when it is parked up on an area, there are activities such as football, cricket and rounders on offer as well.

The vehicle will be officially launched on May 16 when it will be parked up next to the Charity Arch on Burnley Town Centre. A range of free goodies, including computer games courtesy of PC World and police giveaways, will be available as long as stocks last to any youths who visit the bus. After that it will visit various different areas across the borough at evenings and weekends depending on where extra youth activities are required.

Sgt Claire Pearson from Burnley Police has led the Youth Bus project for the town's Multi-Agency Problem Solving Team (MAPs). She said: "This is a fantastic new vehicle packed full of equipment designed especially to keep young people entertained and off the streets where some of them could find themsel-ves getting involved in anti-social behaviour.

"We are all extremely excited about the vehicle and keen for as many local youngsters as possible to come along and take a look at the bus and try out the facilities on board.

"Clearly, this venture would not have been possible without the support of our funders and other agencies so I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has given their time, money and expertise"

The bus is being funded by ERDF, the Urban II Regeneration Fund, Burnley Community Safety Partnership, GONW and a number of private businesses.