POLICE in Rossendale have teamed up with the youth service to provide a "boredom-busting" half-term programme for vulnerable teenagers.

The scheme, co-ordinated by Pennine Division and Lancashire Youth and Community Service in Rossendale, aims to give youngsters an alternative to crime during the school holidays.

Rossendale Inspector Roger Ravenscroft said: "The Break Out initiative is in its second year and has proved to be extremely successful in helping to deter crime when it is traditionally at a high. It is aimed at groups of youths across the Rossendale Valley to divert them away from anti-social and criminal behaviour. It gives them a different outlook on life and a new focus."

Next week ten teenagers, aged between 11 and 14, will be heading off to Edale in the Peak District where they will be staying in a youth hostel.

They will be hill walking, mountain climbing, abseiling and canoeing throughout their stay in the area.

District team manager for the Lancashire County Council Youth and Community Services in Rossendale, Steve Roman, said: "Break Out was designed for youngsters living in west Rossendale, which is mainly Haslingden and Rawtenstall. The youngsters will be taking part in various outward bound activities, as well as discussion activities."

Sergeant Colin Hudson, and Community Beat Manager, Gordon McGeechan, will be accompanying the ten teenagers on the two-day trip next Tuesday.