BUSINESSES were today asked to support a groundbreaking project to steer young people away from alcohol.

Police and councils in Weymouth and West Dorset are teaming up to launch Operation Blitz, which aims to encourage youngsters to get involved in fun activities as an alternative to antisocial behaviour.

Almost half the calls police receive at night are about antisocial behaviour, much of it involving youngsters who have been drinking

Operation Blitz will centre around a day of live theatre, workshops, stalls and games to educate young people about alcohol and promote social responsibility in a fun and informative way.

Four schools in the area have been invited to take part and the event will be held at Weymouth Pavilion on Friday, November 4.

To encourage constructive activity it is planned to introduce a discount card whereby students can receive a concession at various clubs, groups and leisure establishments.

To do this Blitz needs businesses to support the card by offering a discount on entry fees. In return firms will have the opportunity to take part in the day by freely exhibiting promotional material direct to the students.

Elaine Ryan from the Dorset Police Partnership - a crime prevention charity which is supporting Operation Blitz - said it is hoped to attract a variety of organisations such as sports, drama, and dance clubs which can offer young people a fun alternative to underage drinking.

She said: "One of the main focuses of the day is to steer young people away from antisocial behaviour by filling their leisure time with interesting pursuits. By introducing a discount card specifically for young people to use we hope to inspire the students to take part in various activities available to them locally."

It is hoped a celebrity guest will be able to open the event and if Operation Blitz is successful it could be promoted across the country.

Contact Elaine Ryan on 01305 223896 or e-mail: elaineryan@dorset.pnn.police.uk