YOUNGSTERS from the city's most needy areas could soon be climbing their way out of a path to crime.

'Climb not Crime' will see a mobile climbing tower, similar to the ones used by the army at fairs, wheeled out onto streets and into parks.

Children will be given the chance to use the climbing wall in an effort to get them off the streets.

The scheme is thought to be the first of its type in the country, and has been praised by community leaders.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, cabinet member for regeneration, community and leisure at Preston City Council, said: "This scheme will encourage the children to take part in different kinds of sports. This is all about getting children not to hang around the streets, to give them opportunities they wouldn't have otherwise. We are very positive about that."

According to a report by Phil Walsh, the council's head of sport and recreation, first of all 'disaffected' young people will be given a chance to learn to climb indoors, and a special worker, to be called the Youth Climbing Inclusion Officer, will be given the job of referring children for the scheme.

But in the second yea of the scheme, the mobile tower will be rolled out.

The report states: "The project will help promote better community inclusion and help as a diversion to anti-social behaviour or criminal activity for young people aged five to 15 within priority wards."

The project will first target Deepdale, St Matthews, Brookfield, Fishwick, Town Centre and Ribbleton wards, and then be moved out to Riversway, Larches and Ingol wards.

Pam Cooper, of the Brookfield United residents' group, said: "I think it's a fantastic idea, as long as it's a regular thing and it's going to be a long-term project.

"We have done a lot of team building work around that type of activity and it really works. The kids love it."

And Joan Chapman of the Callon community association said: "The more choices you give them each week the better, otherwise they get bored.

"I've seen children come on, looking forward to being with other children because of things like this."