THIRTY children will be taken into police custody on Wednesday - as a reward for good behaviour.

They are being invited to look round Farnworth police station as part of a new scheme to encourage youngsters to stay out of trouble during the school holidays.

Young people from Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever are taking part in the scheme, which offers them free days out and a variety of activities in return for good behaviour.

The children, aged 11 to 15, will be given a tour of the police station and will learn about the work involved in policing the Bolton area.

They will have the chance to experiment with the lights and sirens of police vehicles, try out old-style fingerprinting, take DNA samples from one another, and dress up in police gear.

Sgt Shane O'Neill said: "We have been working this summer with Bolton Council to divert young people off the streets and into activities in an attempt to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Showing the children around the police station will hopefully give them a better insight into the work we do and help us to build positive links with young people in the area."

As part of the scheme, young people are also being given free bus passes so they can get out and about across the North-west during the holidays.