AN INNOVATIVE scheme aimed at tackling yobbish behaviour, nuisance crime and obesity has been launched in Basingstoke.

Sentinel Housing Group has teamed up with Basingstoke police, the borough's community wardens and GAME - a computer games retailer - for the "Get with..." pilot project, which will reward youngsters for good behaviour.

Under the 22-week scheme, young people in Popley will be given points for attending special activity sessions and staying out of trouble, while points will be deducted for anti-social behaviour.

The points can be exchanged for prizes ranging from mobile phone ringtones for 10 points to £25 worth of Festival Place vouchers for 75 points.

And the 10 youngsters who have collected the most points when the scheme ends at the end of August will win a PS2 with games - donated by GAME.

Sandie Plowman, communications co-ordinator at Sentinel Housing Group, said: "Too much attention is focused on the kids who cause a nuisance and not enough paid to kids who work hard and stay out of trouble."

The scheme was launched on Monday at John Hunt of Everest Community School, in Popley Way, where pupils were given the opportunity to sign up.

By joining, youngsters can attend three weekend activity sessions, to be held monthly at the school, and weekday activities during holidays, including rugby, dance and self defence.

Housing bosses will be liaising with police to compare instances of youth nuisance during the scheme.

If successful, the scheme could be extended to other parts of the borough.

First published: Wednesday, March 16, 2005