A SCHEME aimed at getting children off the streets will be running at two venues in the borough.

Players from Watford Football Club and QPR will be playing ball with 12 to 18-year-olds three nights a week in Hayes and Northwood as part of the Kickz programme, a national scheme involving the Met Police and the Football Foundation.

Sergeant Simon Mapes of the Botwell Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "The presence of police is important and each night that Kickz is running there is a safer neighbourhood team here. Officers identify youngsters that are causing trouble and if they feel they will benefit from the programme they will refer them to come along."

Steve Quashie, football development coach at QPR, said: "Kickz is designed to keep kids off the streets and providing them with regular professional football activities in a secure environment."

For details of the sessions call PC Doug Dewey on 0208 246 1831.