A COMMUNITY support officer said she has succeeded in bringing children and businesses together.

PCSO Stephanie Jones worked with Aura Leisure to host two events in Hawarden in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

The second event was held recently and saw over 70 children turn up to enjoy the activities, despite the poor weather.

The PCSO said: "It was brilliant, the weather wasn't really on our side, we had some downfall and got soaked but the kids didn't seem to mind.

"I would like to think I was successful in my aim and they (youngsters) now know who I am and understand that local businesses did fund the event and to build respect for them.

"We used it as an opportunity to explain with regards to St David's Park that they can't really use it as a hanging out place like they had previously."

Stephanie wanted to organise the youth project, held at Gladstone Playing Fields, to address the issue of anti-social behaviour and encourage young people to utilise their time more productively.

Funding for the event was received by the High Sherriff's Crimebeat fund and local businesses.

She added: "We also had representatives from the businesses who turned up, who gave donations to see how the money had been spent and they were really pleased to see the children having a good time."

PCSO Jones said she is planning on arranging activities for children during the Halloween and bonfire period to deter them from causing mischief and fires but that is in the early stages.