I write in response to Andy Dukes’ letter ‘Young people are our future’ (You Say, April 28).

I wholeheartedly agree with his comment that young people need something to do.

Many parents spend time and money encouraging their youngsters to find an interest.

As a parent myself, I have always felt that if we can get our youngsters involved in music or sport as extracurricular activities then they will reap tremendous benefits.

These would be:

1. Each requires practice i.e. the youngsters will occupy their spare time

2. Each gives an opportunity for teamwork – orchestras, choirs or teams

3. Each gives an opportunity for an improved social life if they join such groups

4. Research has shown that musicians have a wider vocabulary than non-musical students

5. Sport encourages them to get the best from their bodies therefore they will want to ensure peak performance by following a healthy diet and avoiding dangerous substances I appreciate that some parents have little time to research what is on offer and to take their children to try a session at a local club.

To help to solve this problem and also to encourage our youngsters to take up an alternative sport, Life Education Wessex is working with Dale Rhodes, our local school sport development manager to organise a sport taster day on Monday, July 20 for Year 4 students.

Many local sports clubs will be represented and the youngsters will have an opportunity to sample three different sport sessions.

The event runs from 8.45am until 12pm at The Wey Valley Sports College in Dorchester Road, Weymouth and the cost is £5 per child. To receive an information pack parents are asked to phone the school on 01305 817000.

Proceeds from the event will support Life Education Wessex – a local charity.

We visit more than 42,000 primary schoolchildren in Dorset every year encouraging them to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Life Education Wessex also gives them the knowledge and the skills to enable them to make their own healthy choices especially regarding alcohol, nicotine and other drugs.

For more information please visit www.lifeeducationwessex.org.uk Diane Day, Co-ordinator Fundraising Volunteers, Life Education Wessex.