A YOUTH group which created a recreation area for bored youngsters has scooped first prize in a county-wide contest.

The Abberley Tomorrow Youth Group wowed judges in Worcestershire County Council's Community Pride Competition and won £500 after transforming a patch of overgrown woodland strewn with litter into a BMX track.

It was set up earlier this year, with about 40 young people between 11 and 16 as well as community representatives, to provide recreation facilities for young people in the village.

Group chairman and Abberley parish councillor Royston Evans said there was "nothing" for many young people to do and they had been blamed by residents for causing "mayhem and vandalism".

"As soon as they are dropped off from the school bus, that's it - they are imprisoned for the rest of the night or weekend," he said.

Over several months from February the youngsters cleared a site on the edge of the village green and designed and created the BMX track.

The area now also includes a picnic area and a natural wildlife and plant habitat.

Mr Evans said he was "over the moon" about the award which he claimed had boosted youngsters' self-confidence.

He added the success of the project has changed attitudes - and behaviour.

"It's made a vast difference - it's got them an identity and respect. And vandalism and bad behaviour has dropped."

The £500 will be put towards getting a football team off the ground.