AN action-packed initiative to steer young people away from anti-social activities by getting them involved in sport has been praised as an 'outstanding success'.

The Government's Improvement and Development Agency (I&DeA) praised Bromsgrove District Council's efforts to prevent teenage delinquency with its summertime sports programme.

Leisure chiefs laid on a wide range of activities for young people in Catshill, Charford and Sidemoor. These are areas where youth crime rates are among the highest.

Councillor June Griffiths (Con-Alvechurch), cabinet member responsible for leisure, said: "We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised nationally and publicly noted. The scheme has been acknowledged by the local community and the Community Safety Partnership and has led to requests to expand it into more areas."

The I&DeA published a new book documenting programmes which have successfully improved local communities. Entitled Cultural Connections: Cultural Services and Better Public Service Delivery, the publication featured the Bromsgrove scheme, along with more than 50 other examples of successful case studies from local authorities around the UK.

The document highlights the important role that cultural services, such as the Bromsgrove initiative, play in raising the profile of local community policy.

Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for culture, media and sport, said, "It is wonderful to see local authorities, national agencies and voluntary and community groups working together to deliver cultural programmes that expand our boundaries and enrich our lives."