A new Shire Street Sports initiative aimed at helping tackle teenage boredom and antisocial behaviour in communities across Aberdeenshire has been launched in one of the area's fastest-growing towns.

Teaming up to launch the new mobile sports arena - similar schemes have proved a success in Perth and other towns - were Grampian Police, Aberdeenshire Council and main sponsors BG Group.

The travelling arena will provide a range of sporting activities on the streets where young people congregate at weekends or evenings and during school holidays.

In a response to youngsters' problems of "nothing to do" in many expanding towns and villages, community beat officers and sports development coaches will flag up everything from street football and hockey to basketball sessions available in the mobile arena.

Kintore

Shire Street Sports has visited Kintore where it was set up at Kintore Primary School. Scores of youngsters were joined by local officers from the Grampian Police.

Community Beat Officer Alex Allan said:

"It is a great facility which young people throughout Aberdeenshire have enjoyed using in the past."

CBO Allan said he was inmpressed by the willingness of everyone who attended to make the event such a success. He added that Grampian Police hope to hold the event at Kintore again as well as Blackburn and Kemnay.

The Garioch & North Marr Community Safety Group supported the event with funds to provide refreshments for the youngsters.

Westhill

Chief Inspector David Wright, of South Aberdeenshire Division, who joined in the launch at Westhill Shopping Centre said:

"Our communities generally have a very low crime rate, however, instances of anti-social behaviour committed by a minority can impact on many other people's quality of life. Taking the arena directly to where young people gathered would provide a positive message on citizenship and fitness."

Aberdeenshire Council Senior Sports Development Officer Andy Miller said it would provide an outlet for activity and involvement. Young people would be encouraged to take a hands-on role both in sports and staging courses themselves.

Grampian Police Crime Reduction Officer Constable Craig Kennedy said:

"We would like young adults to come forward to assist in running the programme on a volunteer basis, even if only to help set up equipment. Training will be on offer."

The arena is easily set up in a variety of locations including anti-social behaviour hotspots.

More information on Shire Street Sports, including how to make a booking, is available on-line.