A CHRISTIAN youth outreach project that tours a Hampshire town in a converted double decker bus is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

Volunteers travel around to youth hangouts to offer a listening ear and advice while trying to discourage anti-social behaviour, vandalism and under-age drinking in favour of more positive activities.

The Streetwise bus is kitted out with TVs, video games and music systems and offers a safe shelter alongside hot drinks and snacks.

The project recently made headlines when it laid bare the problem of under-age drinking.

Volunteers revealed they were sobering up some kids as young as 11 with pot noodles.

This led directly to the launch of the Daily Echo's Keep Kids Sober campaign to encourage parents and adults to do more to tackle the problem.

Founder John Robinson started Streetwise in Totton in 1996 after he was asked by the Church of England to carry out a survey on why teens were not attending church.

It involved him meeting them on their turf.

"I bought a camper van called Streetwise and it took off from there. It must have looked a little strange seeing a Yorkshireman going around the New Forest offering hot chocolate.

"Our main focus was for them to see the church in a different light.

"We were not trying to bible bash."

Seven years ago Mr Robinson took the concept to Manchester where he now runs Eden Buses, reaching young people in the toughest parts of the city.

"I am delighted the project is still going. It means we've done something right," he said.

Streetwise is now supervised by Youth and Families Matter, a community initiative run by Testwood Baptist Church.

Youth worker and Streetwise co-ordinator Tom Millington said the project had made contact with thousands of kids over the past decade and was looking to expand further across the New Forest.

He said the visits made a difference to the young people.

"They feel happier and calmer and get a sense of community out of it," he said.

Mr Millington said Streetwise has developed good links with schools and other youth organisations and is backed by the police and local councils.

It is funded by donations. For example ASDA supplies the refreshments. Streetwise celebrated its tenth anniversary with an alcohol and drug free club night for youngsters at St Winifred's Church in Salisbury Road, Totton. John Robinson gave a presentation.

To find out more about our Keep Kids Sober campaign visit www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/campaigns.