Mean machines in light parade

A team of young car owners is taking part in a town's Christmas light parade to prove to residents they are not trouble-making "boy racers".

The youngsters, from Leek, Staffordshire, have been condemned by many people living in the town for holding noisy meetings late at night in their modified cars.

Up to 15 cars are expected to join the traditional celebrations on Friday, with decorated aerials and blaring stereos.

The youths complained after their pictures appeared a local paper, saying they had not had the chance to put their side of things.

District councillor Steve Povey intervened in the dispute arranging a meeting between the boys and various community representatives including those from the media, police and fire brigade.

The lads want to change their image so I said come along to the parade Councillor Steve Povey

"We had about 20 cars turn up, with 48 youngsters and they told us they didn't want to race around smashing cars up because they spend so much on them," he said.

"The lads want to change their image so I said come along to the parade."

He added: "This year's theme for the festivities is togetherness and these lads who are called boy racers are part of the community.

"We are trying to resolve a conflict and hopefully we have done that."

He said the council was looking at providing a piece of land for the car owners to use.