A GROUP which takes youngsters off the streets to banish boredom and cut vandalism was today celebrating a major award.

"Most people in Acomb don't even know we exist. But they are benefiting because their windows are not being smashed and there is less thuggish behaviour on the streets," said Dave Shore, leader of Acomb's Gateway Church detached youth group, which has been judged the winner of our summer-long Safe In The City competition.

The Evening Press teamed up with North Yorkshire Police and the Safer York Partnership to find the youth organisation which most contributed to keeping young people occupied and out of trouble.

It was the Gateway group which came out tops, and will receive the £1,000 prize put up by the Safer York Partnership. Dave, who is an elder of the independent Gateway Church, in Front Street, Acomb, set up the group more than two years ago when he saw teenagers hanging round the streets in the cold, doing nothing.

He and other volunteers started a Thursday night group at Lowfields School and 50 youngsters regularly turned up.

When the Gateway Church bought its own building, The Old School, Front Street, the group moved there and now there are 200 teenagers on the books, who turn up on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

They play pool, table tennis, table football, big screen PlayStation, watch videos - and talk.

And it's all free, including soft drinks and snacks, paid for by the church and a local grant.

"Wow, it's fantastic. I'm thrilled to bits," said Dave Shore,when told the group had won the Safe In The City competition.

"I don't know why our group works - it just does. I have a team of young workers and church volunteers. We don't preach at the kids, but we have discipline.

"We are not a youth club, we are a place where the kids can come and meet their friends. The money will be a great help. We have been thinking of getting a large, digital screen; we take the youngsters on outings and camps and we subsidise some of the poorer kids so extra cash is always needed."

Safe In The City judges had a hard task choosing from a wide range of entries from groups offering diverse activities for young people.

One of the judges, Safer York Partnership chairman Bob Wood, said: "We were impressed with this group because it clearly identified a need in that area and put a lot of effort into establishing an effective meeting place for the young people of Acomb.

"We were also very impressed by the other entries in the competition and that made our decision quite difficult."

Supt John Lacy, of York Police, said: "We are delighted that the number of antisocial behaviour incidents is falling in the city and it is thanks to places like the Gateway group which are keeping children out of mischief. The police are very impressed at the work they are doing."

Carole Patrick, development manager of the Safer York Partnership, said after visiting the group: "They seem to have struck just the right balance by providing a good range of entirely free activities for the young people of Acomb. It is important that the pursuits on offer reflect the genuine interest of attendees, so PlayStation, pool, table tennis and comfortable seating for those who simply want to chat, are all proving to be a hit with the young adults of Acomb.

"So much antisocial behaviour arises from boredom, lack of suitable activities, and lack of a venue. It is great to know that in Acomb there is a real alternative. Many congratulations to this resourceful group."

Updated: 09:45 Tuesday, December 31, 2002