A PIONEERING Bolton scheme to keep youngsters away from crime could have a cash boost - funded by money seized from drug dealers.

The Government has today announced a new "Positive Futures" scheme which aims to stop youngsters drifting into drugs and crime by encouraging them to take part in sport and other leisure activities.

There will be £800,000 available for the the project - but £500,000 will be funded by money seized from convicted drug dealers.

Bolton already has its "Moving Up Through Leisure" project which will be included in the scheme.

The project began in the Deane, Derby and Daubhill areas as part of the 3Ds urban regeneration programme.

But now it has now been extended to take in other areas of Bolton.

The scheme has won national acclaim and delegates from all over the country were at a conference at The Reebok Stadium last year where it was put up as a successful way of diverting youngsters from a life of crime.

Mr John Shepley, Bolton's director of leisure services, said: "No-one is saying that it offers a cure for drug abuse.

"But it is being held up as an example of good practice in diverting youngsters."

He said that the funding has already been secured for the next 12 months of the project, but Bolton could bid for the new funding in future years.

Each of 24 projects from around the country will provide a range of activities designed to challenge the "difficult" behaviour of young people.

The aim is to seen sport as an alternative to hanging around on street corners, drug misuse, training and mentoring programmes.

The scheme is being backed by England soccer boss Kevin Keegan.

It was launched today by Mo Mowlam, Minister for the Cabinet Office, with responsibility for the Government's drugs policy.

She said: "I am delighted to be working in partnership with the Youth Justice Board and Sport England to bring new hope and confidence to young people in areas of deprivation to those at risk of those becoming involved in crime.

"Getting into sport can build up people's self-esteem and confidence and at the same time offer a healthy alternative to being involved in drugs.

"This is an important and groundbreaking new project, particularly because it will be using money taken back from drug dealers and traffickers to enable young people to become involved in a wide range of sporting activities."

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