More than £5,000 is being ploughed into three new sessions to keep youngsters off the streets and out of mischief in the run up to summer.

The first was launched at the Brook Club in Sackville Street, Southsea, last week.

The session, for teenagers aged 13 to 17, was organised by PCSOs Wendy Robinson and Yve Sandham.

Although sessions were already held three nights a week for youngsters aged 11 and over, older teenagers were not taking part.

And Portsmouth City Council had set up a dispersal area around in St James' Road giving police the power to move on troublemakers after increased reports of rowdy and inconsiderate youths. Sessions are also been held for 10 to 11 year olds in Portsea as they are too young to take part in other clubs in the area, but who felt too old for adventure playgrounds.

They will be held at the Brook Club on Friday nights and at Portsea Youth Centre at the John Pounds Community Centre in Aylward Street, Portsea, on Wednesday nights.

The Community Improvement Partnership for the Heart of Portsmouth, which covers parts of Portsea, Southsea and Somers Town, is funding the sessions.

Co-ordinator Helen Corkery said: 'The PCSOs wanted to target slightly older young people.

'When they and community wardens were in the area the 14 and 15-year-old groups were saying there wasn't really anywhere for them to go.

'They tend to hang around the street corners and were perceived by residents as intimidating or threatening by hanging around in a gang.

'Apart from the Brook Club there is nothing else in the area for young people, so on a Monday evening there is now a session for them.

'It's partly offering activities for young people who may be at risk of getting into anti-social behaviour.

'It's also building a relationship between police and young people in a relaxing and comfortable situation.'

PCSO Robinson said: 'Being able to provide a place for the young people to go is a great achievement and as well as giving them a space of their own we will also be arranging talks and displays which have been designed for their age group.

'I'm looking forward to having some great nights at the youth club, and we're so glad everyone has been able to come together and take important steps in creating a better community.'