A COMMUNITY sports programme set up to occupy bored York youngsters is now a registered charity that has enjoyed a hugely-successful summer.

The Clifton Association for Recreation and Sport started in 1998 after regular complaints about "nuisance youths".

It has always been staffed completely by volunteers, who have gone on to achieve FA qualifications and this summer completed 1,000 hours of youth training.

The successful summer was celebrated with a prize-giving ceremony at the fields behind Burton Green School, where most of the school's activities have been held.

The prizes were presented by young York City player Leigh Wood, helped by officers from Clifton Moor Police Station, who back the summer scheme.

Chairman Brian Flanagan said: "Things have grown a lot since we started, we are pleased about that, and we have had an excellent summer. There was nothing here for the youngsters to do, it was a problem, but now we have between 30 and 40 joining in every summer."

Brian said the project has worked hard to find its own funding, and even sold advertising space on the side of its mini bus.

"We want to be as self sufficient as we can, but we always need donations. If anyone wants to help then we would be very grateful."

Chief Inspector Kevin Doyle said: "We recognise and are very grateful for the good work that Brian and his colleagues do. They provide an excellent service for the young people of Clifton."

CARS has been entered in The Evening Press Safe in the City campaign, which aims to give a £1,000 to a York youth group which keeps youngsters off the streets and helps the community.

The Safer York Partnership is offering £1,000 and we are asking you, our readers, to nominate groups which help young people.

To nominate a group e-mail us via the above link.

Updated: 10:19 Saturday, August 31, 2002