A COMMUNITY club for young people has scooped an award for its innovative approach to tackling crime and disorder.

Callon Kids Community Club, run by volunteers from Contour Homes Housing Association, was awarded the Participation in Practice Award 2004 for efforts in reducing anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood nuisance by providing positive activities for children.

Colin Makinson, chairman of the club, travelled to Birmingham to receive the Tenant Participation Advisory Service award, which was sponsored by the service and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

A 54 per cent reduction in general crime and disorder has been recorded since the club began three years ago.

Golfing, rock climbing, swimming, football and go-karting are some of the fun activities on offer for the 80 children, aged between five and 17, who attend the club.

Mr Makinson, a community estate warden for Contour Homes, said: "The estate was a notorious no-go area and had been on the television series Neighbours from Hell. A person was shot dead here in the past.

"There were cars burnt out on a regular basis and a lot of criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and vehicle crime.

"With the kids' club we have a good contact with the community and it's paying off, as you can see with the crime figures."

Now volunteer members, working in partnership with local police and parents to combat crime, have established a youth committee to how discuss to spend the £1,000 prize money.

"We want to give kids more accountability and responsibility," said Mr Makinson.

"We are also starting a football team for adults so people can go all the way through the club, from five to adulthood, so we can get a real community feel."

On thursday the group went to Preston's Town Hall to meet Councillor Pat Woods, Mayor of Preston, in recognition of their achievements.