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A holiday scheme that last summer helped to divert many young people from crime will this year cover the whole of England.
The Positive Activities scheme will allow eight to nineteen-year olds to take part in arts and sports projects. It will target pupils who are most at risk of losing interest in education and training - especially during the long summer break.
The programme will also seek to bring together young people from different neighbourhoods, breaking down prejudices and improving community cohesion. Volunteering opportunities will help to engage young people in activities that benefit the local community.
Last summer similar programmes cut youth crime by as much as 11 per cent. The extra £25m funding from the government and the National Lottery has been awarded to areas based on factors including truancy rates and local crime levels.
Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said the scheme will make a difference to young people.
"It will help them develop interests, build self-respect and help them into further education or employment - key factors in preventing criminality," she said.
Providers from the education and youth sector and other voluntary and community sector organisations have devised projects. Local education authorities will help to track young people at risk and link them to local Positive Activities projects.
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