A FISHING project to keep city youngsters out of trouble is in danger of sinking without trace after thieves stole an entire collection of rods and reels.

Now the policeman behind the scheme is appealing for donations to keep the fishing trips afloat.

Paul Martin has been organising the trips for about 30 troubled youngsters for about a year.

The 39-year-old Millbrook beat officer started it up to boost strained relations and found it has cut down antisocial behaviour by keeping youngsters away from street corners and shopping parades.

But the trips are under threat after thieves raided Paul's equipment store at Stoneham Lakes, near Eastleigh, and stole five rods, five reels, a stash of tackle and keep nets.

"They stole everything," he said.

"It's not too bad at the moment because it's winter and we wouldn't be going out too much anyway, but come next year there will be children missing out because of this."

He's now appealing for help to get the scheme up and running again before the spring.

"It's a big set-back because we simply don't have the money to replace what's missing.

"We're hoping people might have old rods or reels at home that they don't use - or even that local businesses might be able to donate something to help out."

Anyone who might be able to help should contact Claire Moriarty at the Daily Echo on 023 8042 4495 - or e-mail using the link above.

PROJECT FACTFILE:

At first the project operated for just six teenagers.

Today, there are about 30 on the books.

The youngsters go in twos or threes to Eastleigh's Stoneham Lakes or Longbridge Lakes at Romsey.

The project is mainly for 11 to 18-year-olds who have been excluded from school or who have been in trouble with police.

Paul, based at Shirley police station, now commits his days off as well as working days to the scheme.