THE alarming rise in knife crime among young people has inspired police to create a fun alternative to roaming the streets.

Cheshire Constabulary has organised a seven-a-side football tournament at the Halton Stadium in Widnes, home of the Widnes Vikings, for 160 youngsters aged between 13 and 16.

It has been organised by the Runcorn LPU as part of the national KickOff@3 initiative as part of the ongoing fight against knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

Teams from eight local policing units (LPUs) including Runcorn and Widnes will take part in the charity fundraising event on Saturday, April 13.

All of the money raised from the tournament will go to Halton Haven Hospice and Young Addaction Halton.

Chief inspector Sarah Heath, of Runcorn LPU, said: "With an alarming rise in knife crime involving young people an increasing concern across the country, preventative measures are more important than ever.

"Young people roaming the streets on a weekend and on weeknights need appealing alternative ways to spend their time.

"The KickOff@3 tournament will not only give 160 youngsters aged 13 to 16 from across Cheshire a fun and healthy activity to enjoy but it will also present us with an opportunity to have an informal chat with them about knife crime and anti-social behaviour and educate them on the dangers and the importance of keeping themselves safe and out of trouble from the police."

All the participants will receive a medal and goody bag and the winning team in each age group will go on to represent Cheshire in the national KickOff@3 final in London in July.