More than 280 young people across Hertfordshire took part in a programme designed to help keep them out of trouble.

Positive Alternatives, a programme run by YC Hertfordshire Services for Young People to prevent gang and knife crime, ran for two weeks in every district in the county during the summer holidays.

Some youngsters in Borehamwood were lucky enough to have a chat with Watford-born boxing champion Anthony Joshua.

They were given the opportunity to ask questions in the video chat Joshua, after taking part in some boxing coaching as part of the project.

Small, socially distanced groups of young people took part in a mixture of other sports activities across the county, as well as taking part in discussions on key issues such as drugs, relationships and staying safe.

The programme was funded and delivered by Hertfordshire County Council, with input from Hertfordshire Constabulary, and enabled young people to reflect on the reasons why they and their peers might be tempted to join a gang.

Borehamwood Times:

Some representatives from YC Herts

Deputy leader of Hertfordshire County Council, Councillor Teresa Heritage, said: "It is great to see so many young people benefitting from the Positive Alternatives programme this summer.

"In addition to the healthy activities to take part in, the workshops have had a real impact on the young people and will help them and their friends take the right steps towards a brighter future."

During the sessions the young people grew in confidence as they felt equipped to challenge peers in order not to feel pressured into committing crime and anti-social behaviour.

They demonstrated how their knowledge of how to protect themselves had improved and now know what support is available to them.

The programmes took place in young people’s centres, local schools and other outdoor spaces across Hertfordshire. Workshops included identifying stereotypes as well as hard-hitting sessions on the impact and damage knife wounds cause.

There were also sessions which focused on employability, sexual health and relationships. These were mixed with activities such as obstacle courses, photo scavenger hunts, decorating face masks and daily sports sessions.