Teenagers steer peers from crime

Christie won the 100m title at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992

Teenagers on a Luton housing estate are steering their peers away from crime by encouraging them to take up activities.

Young advisors from Marsh Farm are combating boredom on the estate by finding out exactly what youths would like to do over the summer holidays.

The advisors then report back to the Marsh Farm Community Development Trust.

In a separate initiative, Olympic gold medallist Linford Christie and England cricketer Monty Panesar will visit the estate to attend "Street Athletics".

'Broaden horizons'

Panesar, who was born in Luton, will help run the event, organised by Active Luton, in partnership with Nuff Respect - a sports consultancy set up by the Olympic 100m champion Linford Christie OBE.

It is hoped the Young Advisor scheme in Luton will create a new generation of teenage role models

A spokesman for the event said: "Street Athletics is a very simple and highly effective youth engagement programme that aims to encourage young people under the age of 20, from all backgrounds, to get involved in athletics.

"The ultimate aim is to successfully get these young people involved in an activity that will encourage them to broaden their existing horizons and promote positive behaviour."

Street Athletics, backed by Sport England, will be held in Fitzwarin Close, from 1700 BST to 1900 BST.