A PROJECT using sport to help keep youngsters away from drug misuse and crime is to be launched in Bolton - backed by a £50,000 government grant.

Positive Futures, a nationwide government initiative, hopes to use a range of sports and leisure projects to enhance young people's personal, social and life skills.

Youngsters will enjoy out-reach work, sports and awards programmes, leadership skills and education and training in a bid to provide an alternative to anti-social behaviour.

The scheme will be developed by voluntary organisation Fairbridge, who were awarded a £50,000 Home Office grant yesterday to bring the scheme to Bolton. It will be launched for 10 to 16-year-old's in the New Year.

Home Office minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Drugs damage our communities, but most tragically of all they stop our young people reaching their full potential in life.

"Young people are our future and we must do all we can to educate and keep them away from drugs.

"This is good news for them, their parents and their communities."

Fairbridge, an organisation committed to providing social inclusion and guidance for youngsters in deprived areas, has already helped 42 Salford youngsters in a similar scheme.

Under the scheme, around 33 projects across the country will work with local authorities to tackle the problem, aided by a £5 million Home Office grant.

Fairbridge manager Lee Gosling said: "Sport can divert them away from the danger of becoming involved in drugs or crime and can also change the way in which young people relate to each other and their community."

The scheme has received the backing of ex-England footballer and TV pundit Trevor Brooking.

The Positive Futures initiative is a partnership between the Home Office Drugs Unit, Sport England, the Youth Justice Board and the Football Foundation.