A 'hit squad' is out on the streets of Manningham, Girlington and Heaton in a bid to divert youngsters away from crime and into sport and leisure.

The pictured team, aged between 18 and 25, has been trained in sports and leisure activities to get young people involved and reduce anti-crime social behaviour, vandalism and boredom.

Activities range from playing cricket and rounders, to arts and crafts, card-making, bowling, ice-skating and trekking.

Salima Hafejee, manager of the youth teams, said: "The lack of local facilities and the cost to a family of providing something for their children is recognised, therefore the team will be out on its Youth Action Team vehicle throughout the summer working with young people."

Funding has been provided from the Manningham and Girlington Single Regeneration Budget, Sport England, European Support Fund and the Splash programme.

Development worker Yasmin Hanif said the teams were invaluable in helping young people.

"It is the fifth year we have had the mobile hit squads during the holidays. We have a five week programme at different centres in Bradford where young people can come along and participate in diversionary activities.

"The emphasis this year is on health and sports activities.

"But we also help the young people who are training in youth work. Often they are local to the area and are role models for the others."

Bushra Hussain, 21, of Toller Lane, who is currently training, was full of enthusiasm for the initiative.

"I am based at West Park in Girlington and the other night more than 35 young people came along. They loved the activities we are doing. Also we managed to get a lot of young Asian girls involved which was brilliant.

"All of them were saying they enjoyed the facilities we offered."

For information about any of the activities contact the nearest base at either Belle Vue Boys School (01274) 499505, the Girlington Centre, (01274) 785700 or the Porishad Centre on (01274) 740752.