Wakefield rural neighbourhood police team has joined forces with Wakefield Council's youth workers and crime reduction charity NACRO, to identify areas blighted by anti-social behaviour.

Trouble spots where youths gather and cause a nuisance will be targeted by the partnership team, which will be drafted in to patrol those areas. The scheme is also being launched in neighbouring Crofton.

Police and youth workers will speak to youngsters and make them aware of alternative activities and facilities available to them.

Insp Helen Brear, of Wakefield rural NPT, said: "Last year we managed to reduce the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area and have our sights firmly set on cutting it still further this year.

"We not only want to reduce the incidents of street drinking and anti-social behaviour by young people, but we want to engage with them about the harm that alcohol can cause.

"We want to help them understand the effect they are having on certain vulnerable groups within the community and to divert them to activities in the area."

She said the team also wanted young people to voice their opinions on issues in the area and would encourage them to join a youth citizen panel for the Police And Communities Together meeting areas in which they live.

She added: "Any vulnerable children will be taken home and dealt with accordingly. We will seize any alcohol and take positive action against anti-social behaviour."

Natalie Delaney, of NACRO, said its youth workers and police have already had success in delivering the street teams in the Castleford and central areas of Wakefield, signposting young people to local provision by offering information, advice and guidance.

Coun Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for cohesion and community safety, said: "In a lot of cases, when people hang around in groups in the street it can be intimidating for others, or there can be incidences of anti-social behaviour, particularly when alcohol is involved.

"By talking to them about their actions, and about the health issues related to alcohol, I hope we can work with young people to make the district a safer and stronger place for everyone."