AN outdoor pursuits trip for Nelson youths which faced the axe has been rescued by police.

Officers at Nelson police station secured £300 from the Rank Charitable Trust to save the outing, which will give 17 youngsters the opportunity to go orienteering at Caldwell Activity Centre on April 5.

The trip, which was under threat after funding fell through, was organised as part of an project run by police community support officer Eamon Kilbride and youth worker Louise Schofield.

The project involved youths who attend St Bede's drop-in centre, in Railway Street, and has seen youth nuisance in the Walverden and Cloverhill areas fall by 43 per cent.

PCSO Kilbride said: "I've been working closely with colleagues in other agencies to tackle residents' concerns about youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

"As well as using enforcement tactics we have been actively engaging with the youths and helping divert their attention towards more worthy activities than hanging around on the street, where their presence may cause concern for others in the neighbourhood.

"The trip was one of a number of initiatives planned for the youths and I think it's fair to say that all of them were looking forward to it.

"However when funding fell through it looked like we might have had to cancel the trip and all of us who have worked with the young people, not to mention the youths themselves, were greatly disappointed.

"But thanks to funding secured by police from the Rank Charitable Foundation the day trip will now go ahead which means a full day of orienteering and other activities, which are not just designed to keep the youngsters occupied but also to develop their personal skills.

"From a policing point of view we're delighted that the trip is back on.

"It will enable us to build even stronger links with local youths and work with them to further develop their skills and confidence."