YOUNGSTERS will be working alongside police officers on an allotment project today.

Officers from Stone Neighbourhood Policing Unit are due to launch the Stone Green Fingers Project at the town's allotments on Tilling Drive at 2pm.

The allotment project is run by local community officers for Pirehill First and Walton Priory Middle schools and helps youngsters learn to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

Representatives from the schools have been invited to the launch, which will also be attended by the Right Stuff boxing club who are assisting with the initial dig.

Town Mayor, councillor Jill Hood, will be turning over the first spade full of soil.

PCSO Duncan Rollo,who is leading the project, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young people.

"The aim is to create a healthy living lifestyle by education and practical experiences and reduce anti-social behaviour by teaching respect for their surroundings."