Young people tried their hand at karate, trampolining and drama during a taster session for a new club.

On Saturday, Pcso John Cope held an open activities morning at Oxsrad sports club in Marsh Lane, Marston, Oxford.

About 40 youngsters aged 11 to 18, turned up to have a kick about on the football pitch or a work out at the gym. They then tucked into a spread of food.

Thames Valley Police officers volunteered their time and an Oxford United coach went along to give the children a few football tips.

Mr Cope said: “Everybody had a good time and it was a very successful day.

“We had a good turn out and we had good feedback.”

The morning helped to launch a new after-school club on the Marston and Northway estates,which will take place every Wednesday evening.

Mr Cope said: “Basically the kids came to me and said ‘we have nothing to do’ so we wanted to provide a range of sports and activities.

“Some children love sport, but they are not very confident.

“We wanted them to come and try a bit of everything, so they could find something they were good at so it builds their confidence.

“We are trying to get the kids off the streets to where it’s dry.

“We have got all the qualified instructors, we have got all the know-how and the drive to do it, but we want the kids to know it’s their club.”

Mr Cope set up the club with Oxsrad, but it was only after he successfully applied for a £7,200 grant from the Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action group that he was able to get the project up-and-running.

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