POLICE have found a new way of tackling juvenile crime -- by playing football.

But the police officers who took on Oswaldtwistle youngsters for a kick-about at the Accrington Stanley ground were pipped at the goalpost and lost in a penalty shootout after the final score was 2-2.

The sponsored game was organised as part of the final stage of a three-part initiative employed by police to combat youth problems in the town. Money raised from the match will be added to more than £1,000 already in the kitty for a £5,000 youth shelter. A nuisance management team was put into action in Oswaldtwistle on January 15 this year after residents demanded action. At the worst point police were receiving 20 calls a night about youths congregating on street corners.

But the new initiative, headed by Sergeant Ian Hanson, has shown signs of working -- slashing juvenile incidents by 71 per cent.

The first part of the initiative involved a zero tolerance approach to youth problems by police in which offenders -- regardless of age -- were arrested if caught causing any form of disorder. In six weeks 51 arrests were made.

The second stage -- which is ongoing -- involved setting up a student council at Rhyddings High School to represent the young people. Police told children what behaviour was expected of them and what would happen if they continued to misbehave.

Sgt Hanson said: "We went in with the school's complete support and although the youths were suspicious at first they soon warmed to the idea.

"A lot of them had been arrested or had friends we had arrested but we told them we knew they were better than that. They were told the standards we expected in Oswaldtwistle and that if they followed those lines we would not hassle them.

"We have now got that level of behaviour and need a long-term solution, which is where the youth shelter fits in."

"It is very important that the young people have ownership of the shelter and are involved in the process so that they do congregate there.

"I am very proud of the team of officers who have worked on this and am happy that what we started in January could have a result by December."

The metal shelter will be at Foxhill Bank in a well-lit area away from properties so that it is safe for youngsters but will not disturb local people.