YOUNG people across Halton are on a mission to break the media's stereotype and prove to residents that they are not all hooded 'yobs'.

Teenagers attending Youth Service projects and clubs throughout Halton have been reporting the positive things they are involved in and are achieving through their activities with youth workers.

A 14-year-old from Halton Brook said: 'We're not yobs and we don't want people to think we are.'

Youth workers have been working with a number of young people from Halton Brook to set up a Youth Action Project which will be called the Phoenix Group.

The young people have chosen the motto Making Halton Brook a Better Place and have applied for grants to buy anti-theft devices for the most vulnerable members of the community.

At Grangeway Youth Centre, young people have been organising a sponsored bike ride to raise money for cancer research after learning about the effects of the disease at a youth centre discussion evening.

In Castlefields, youth workers have helped young people set up a video project to express some of their concerns about their community and how they want it improved for all.

They are hoping Halton councillors will also be in the video so they can see how poor street lighting and large bushes next to paths make young people feel afraid to walk home from youth clubs at night.

On July 9, a Halton Youth Festival Day will take place as part of the Halton Show. A rock band, part of the Crowwood Youth Centre, will be playing with 10 other bands on the day.

Young women's groups from Crowwood and Grangeway youth clubs will also be offering dance performances.

Stefan, Youth Service manager for Runcorn, said: 'The day has been organised by the Youth Service, together with a group of 15 young people, and there will be lots of activities on offer.'

Councillor Marie Wright, Halton Borough Council's executive board member with responsibility for the Youth Service, said: 'Young people in Halton are involved in a lot of very positive activities and projects with the Youth Service, and the council is working very closely with Connexions to make sure we continue to provide these improved services.'

For information on what's on in your area for young people, contact Sue on 0151 422 5503.