Graffiti art classes help children learn

CITY youngsters are being offered graffiti art and cultural awareness classes in bid to encourage them to steer clear of antisocial behaviour.

Lothian and Borders Police, in support of the national Safer Scotland campaign, also plans on running workshops including resolving group conflict, outward bound projects and off-road motor-biking.

As part of the scheme a "build your own bike" course was being held at The Bike Station, in Newington today.

Project Leader Mark Sydenham said: "You see a real change in character by the end of the week. No two groups are the same but more often than not you get some youngsters who are sullen and a bit unsure that they can build a bike."

He added: "By the end of the course they have a real sense of achievement and are more confident."