Keighley and Bradford police joined together for a Celebration of Youth event last Thursday when the Lund Park Youth Action Group was rewarded for its community work.

There was a packed programme of activities at the event, which was held at Bradford University, including an army assault course, paint balling, team building games and touch rugby with the Keighley Cougars.

School liaison officers and youth service officers across Bradford and Keighley highlighted the good work that young people do.

Bradford's Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Irene Ellison-Wood, presented an award to Lund Park Youth Action Group for its anti-crime and environmental work.

The group, made up of 13 Asian boys aged 12-16, was formed two years ago and works from the Bangladeshi Community Asso-iation. Members of the group do voluntary work to benefit the environment of the community in their free time. They have been involved with numerous projects, such as flower planting, putting up nesting boxes for birds, gardening and clearing up projects, and have also been involved with working with disabled children.

Youth service worker at the Bangladeshi Community Centre Maqbool Ali said: "These are young people who want to get involved and the group has really grown.

"They thoroughly enjoyed the celebration of youth day. They had a display and were able to chat to people about what they do.

"They make a really positive contribution to the local community and we are looking to build up relationships with white youngsters."

A youth liaison officer for Bradford North who co-ordinated the event said: "We intend to challenge people's perceptions that all young people are committing crime when in fact it is only a small minority." The day also included a Question Time session when youngsters asked a panel about policing, crime and disorder.

PC Stevens, who is involved with the Lund Park Youth Action Group added: "West Yorkshire Police are committed to working with young people, and by giving them the opportunity to have their say it is hoped we can respond better to their needs. More importantly, we hope this day is a success story for the young people who have a lot to celebrate."

The event was a partnership between West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Council, Bradford University, HSBC Bank and Bradford North Anti-Crime Partnership.

PC Glynn Butterworth from Keighley police has just returned from working with youngsters from Bradford in Ambleside.