THIS WEEK IN 1997: Teens club together to cut crime

Portsmouth youngsters started a youth club for themselves which they said should help keep young people away from crime.

South Buckland Youth Club was going from strength to strength with membership standing at more than 30.

It was formed after Portsmouth City Council was made aware of a 54-signature petition from youngsters claiming they had nothing to do, and suggested a possible site for a youth club.

The youngsters were hopeful the group run by youths for youths would help to keep their contemporaries on the straight and narrow.

The club organisers set up a committee, took money at the door, worked out a discipline code and set their own rules.