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Come along and join in the fun to help make a difference, is the message from the Borough of Poole, to encourage people to look after their community and help reduce youth crime. A day of activities aimed at furthering community involvement is to take place in Bourne Valley Youth Centre on Saturday 26 October.

Activities on the day will include a competition for the ‘best front garden’ and a ‘keep our estate clean" colouring contest to be judged by AFC Bournemouth’s mascot ‘Cherry Bear’. Free sweets and a McDonald’s Happy meal will be on offer for all children that can return one black bag full of rubbish from litter picking the surrounding area.

Dorset Police will be on hand to provide free crime prevention advice and Consumer Protection Services will be offering reduced price micro-chipping of cats and dogs. There will also be a mobile information centre offering help and advice on recycling, Pride in Poole, trading standards, animal welfare and environmental health.

Cllr Bob Williams, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, said: "This event is a great example of working in partnership with other authorities for the benefit of the local community. It is important that we encourage people to look after the area in which they live and I hope that local people will come along, meet their neighbours and join in the fun!"

Organised by the Borough of Poole, Dorset Probation Service and Poole & Bournemouth Youth Offending Team, it is hoped that the day will strengthen the community and lead to less crime in the area.

Kate Hodder, Consumer Protection Officer, said: "We continually work hard with the Police and other people in Poole to develop projects that encourage community involvement and help reduce incidents of crime in the area. There will be lots to see and do on the day and it’s a good opportunity for people to find out what they can do help improve their community."

The event begins at 10am in Bourne Valley Youth Centre, Arne Avenue, Parkstone. For competition entry forms please contact: Kate Hodder, Consumer Protection Officer, Borough of Poole, tel: (01202 261702) or e-mail: k.hodder@poole.gov.uk.

McDonald’s, Tesco's and Parrs Confectionary are supporting the day.