YOUNGSTERS across Wyre Forest are being urged to carry out projects that will benefit their local communities.

With the school summer holidays looming, the Lifestyle 2004 initiative aims to build on the success of a scheme that has been running for nine years.

Run by West Mercia Constabulary and Worcestershire youth services chiefs, Lifestyle 2004 is open to 12 to 16-year-olds, living in the Wyre Forest district.

Their chosen projects can be of benefit to a single individual or group of people. Teams can take as much time as they like on their projects during the summer holidays. Judges choose the top projects based on records of teams' activities.

The top team earns a prize of an activity holiday in France and there are other prizes on offer. Prize giving takes place at Kidderminster Town Hall in November.

Among projects run during previous years have been working with vulnerable members of the community, organisation of events for young children, environmental improvements and raising money for worthy causes.

This year's organiser, PC Andy Hill, said: "Lifestyle gives young people a chance to do something worthwhile in the long summer holidays and demonstrates how much they care about their local communities.

"At the same time, they will get a great deal of enjoyment and satisfaction from the work they do."

More details are available from PC Hill on 01562 826097.