Two Bingley teenagers are battling for young people to have their say on a proposed law to ban youngsters gathering on the streets.

James King and Robert Hudson, of Harden, were chosen to take part in the new national Shape scheme which aims to give young people a voice on youth crime.

And as part of their job as media representatives, the 14-year-olds took part in a slot for BBC1's Newsround children's news show to highlight the Anti-Social Behav-iour Bill.

The Bill, which is currently in the House of Lords, would give the police the right to move groups of young people, split them up or ask them to go home.

But James and Robert, both pupils at Parkside School in Cullingworth, said the Bill avoided the root of the problem.

"The problem is a lot of young people have nowhere to go and that's why we are forced to meet on the streets," said James.

"If we're moved off the streets we'll all be sat at home alone watching TV. The majority of teenagers aren't causing problems or committing crimes - we are just wanting to see our mates. The problem behind this is the way young people are being perceived by older people and that has to change."

In July the Telegraph & Argus reported the launch of Shape, which is backed by a number of children's charities. Shape spokesman Steve Taylor said young people had gathered on streets for generations.

"It's only in the last ten years that they've been seen as gangs - the Bill is criminalising young people," he said.

The Newsround slot was filmed at various locations in Bingley and Harden and highlighted areas where young people would meet. Robert said those who were affected by the proposed law should initially have been consulted. "It's the same old story of adults in charge having a go at young people," he said. "Shape gives us the opportunity to express ourselves."

For more information, visit the website www.shapethedebate.org.uk .