A project that offers support to young people in Hartlepool is expanding thanks to its previous success.

The third Hartlepool Youth Inclusion Project (YIP) was launched by Hartlepool United player Godwin Antwi in the Brus ward.

The project has so far helped over seventy-five young people after it began in Dyke House in December 2006 and Owton Manor in April 2007.

YIP works to provide early interventions to prevent young people from becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.

The support offered takes the form of one-to-one advice, tailored interventions, group work and issues-based programmes.

YIP Core Worker Phil Gleaves said: "The project recognises the need for interventions at the first sign of any behavioural problems in order for them to be nipped in the bud.

"We have a good relationship with young people from the town and because we work with them from the age of thirteen we can really make a difference.

"It's great that Godwin helped us to launch the project and raise awareness to the young people from the area."

Russ Green, Chief Executive of Hartlepool United said: "This is an excellent project and one we're only too happy to support.

"Its work with young people in the past speaks for itself and hopefully the expansion can help more of the town's youngsters to benefit."

Since the project began, YIP has focused more closely on forging links with local schools, who are often the first to recognise any problems with pupils.