FORTY "bored" teenagers were getting a special half-term day out today - British Army style.

Police patrolling South Bank, in York, said they were fed up with youngsters complaining they had nothing to do during school holidays.

So they took down the names and addresses of young people hanging around on street corners and sent them an invitation to Strensall Barracks.

Today those that replied were being given a taste of life in uniform with obstacle courses, an electronic gun range, paint-balling and archery.

The pilot scheme, which could soon be expanded to the rest of York, is the brainchild of Police Community Support Officer Sarah Cutts.

She said: "When we are on patrol we are constantly being told by gangs of youngsters that they have nothing to do and that they are bored.

"This is a great way of getting them off the streets and finding them something they enjoy doing. We hope to be able to expand the scheme in future holidays.

"The Army already works with York schools and runs a range of activities during term time.

"It struck me that it would be a good idea to offer them during school holidays when more kids are hanging about the streets."

PC Dave White, who is responsible for South Bank, said: "When we speak to many youngsters during school holidays, the universal cry is: 'I'm bored'.

"It's one thing laying on alternative pursuits for young adults, but these activities need to be exciting and appealing enough to encourage participation.

"The 14 to 17 year age group is particularly tricky, as they are well on the way to adulthood, but not quite there yet, so a little more creativity is necessary.

"The majority of the youngsters have not experienced these activities previously, so are very enthusiastic."

Major Chris Cunningham, Army careers adviser for North and East Yorkshire, said the pilot project was being run by one of the Army Youth Teams. He said: "The Army is always keen to explore new ways to work with young people, and we are delighted to be able to lay on what we hope will be a really good day for all involved."

Updated: 08:55 Friday, February 11, 2005