The organiser of a sports project aimed to steer young people away from anti-social behaviour is hoping to secure funding to build on the work it has already achieved.

The charity Child UK, who runs the initiative on Friday nights in Borehamwood, is looking to get funding to allow it to continue providing activities for young people .

The scheme has its last guaranteed session tonight, but hopes to gain more funding in the future allowing it to continue until Easter.

The project has been running since October and has had more than 70 young people attending weekly sessions on Friday night with football at pitches in Broughinge Road, Borehamwood, and BMX bike competitions in Meadow Park.

John Manitara, from Child UK said: “We really hope we get some funding because the scheme has been so successful and the young people that turn up really enjoy it.

“With the funding we would be able to continue the Friday sessions up to Easter and hopefully let more youngsters enjoy them.

“The scheme has been absolutely magnificent and we’ve double our target number of young people turn up each week.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep the scheme going because it’s been such a success we’re determined to continue to positive work we’ve done so far.”

Even in the recent cold snap, with temperatures below zero on a Friday night, Mr Manitara said more than 50 young people tuned up for the session to play football.

The scheme began after Mr Manitara apporiced PC Ross Paybody, Youth Crime Reduction officer for Borehamwood, and asked about the possibility of starting sessions for young people.

He then took Mr Manitara round to the hotspots of anti-social behaviour in Borehamwood, asking young people what activities they would like to see available.

PC Paybody said: “Child UK has engaged with young people in such a positive way and given them something to do at times which are hot for anti-social behaviour.

“The scheme has done so well and helped reduce anti-social behaviour in Borehamwood, it would be a shame to lose something that has had such a positive effect.”