YOUNG people are being offered free fun activities to keep them out of trouble during the summer holidays.

Teenagers in Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever are being targeted by the police and youth services.

They are being given free bus passes so they can get out and about across the North-west during July and August.

They are also being offered free entry to a host of activities, including bowling and skating. A tour of a local police station is also available.

The Passport Scheme has only one requirement -- the teenagers must behave themselves.

Sgt Shane O'Neill, of Bolton police, said: "We want to make sure that everyone in Farnworth, Kearsley and Little Lever can enjoy the summer this year.

"School summer holidays are a prime time for young people with too much time on their hands to turn to things like graffiti, drinking and causing a nuisance to relieve their boredom.

"Free transport and entrance into entertainment venues should encourage young people to get out and about and make the most of the holiday, rather than hanging around the streets and being tempted to cause trouble." In addition, police in Little Lever will be enforcing a policy of no drinking on the streets, as well as targeting adults who buy alcohol for underage children.

They will also be using Juvenile Contact Cards, which allow officers to compile a record at an early stage of those young people who are causing annoyance.

By taking their details and recording it on a database, their behaviour can be monitored and appropriate action taken. If a young person receives a second warning, a letter is sent to their home, a third warning results in a home visit and an anti-social behaviour contract being drawn up. A fourth warning will mean the young person will be considered for an anti-social behaviour order made by the courts.

To request an application form for the Passport Scheme, young people aged 11 to 15 should contact the Sport, Health and Inclusion team on 01204-334123.