YOUNG troublemakers have forced a summer scheme for children to be cut short.

A three week long programme of activities had been planned to give youngsters something to do over the holidays at St John's Primary School, Mosley Common.

But the scheme, organised by Leigh Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) and the youth service, had to end a week early after some youngsters were abusive to staff and there were instances of vand alism.

About 60 children between eight and 13 took part in the scheme for the two weeks it was open.

Community Activity Worker Gareth Williams of Leigh CVS said there had only been a small minority of troublemakers and the vandalism had not been serious enough to involve the police. There was no damage to the school.

He said: "The first two weeks were really good but towards the end of the second week there was a bit of trouble.

"My car got scratched. One or two of the young people were abusive to the staff. The decision to close the scheme was pro-active. It was to stop trouble escalating and prevent any damage being done to the school."

Before trouble started the young people were kept busy by a professional worker who did arts and crafts with them.

They could also take part in a nature walk which included a bug hunt. Stick insects and giant snails from Africa were brought in for the youngsters to look at.

And there was a sports development team who came to help out with sports such as golf. Mr Williams insisted that he had not been put off from doing more work with youngsters and said for the most part the scheme had been a success.

He said: "Volunteers at the school would like to do something again next year. All the parents are also keen. The parents were disappointed it finished early this year but they understood."

Mr Williams added he has had another idea for local youngsters but, for the moment, wants to keep it under wraps.