'Tape ball' cricket used to inspire young

Thousands of teenagers are to play street cricket in an attempt to tackle gang crime in London.

Young people across the capital will take part in a revival of the traditional outdoor game "Street 20", in which each match lasts just 20 minutes and uses a tennis ball bound with tape.

Games will be spread across 10 boroughs and played anywhere with a flat surface, from stretches of tarmac under bridges to car parks and streets.

Based on the hugely popular "tape ball" cricket matches in Pakistan, the project is intended to help 5,000 teenagers learn life skills and team games during summer evenings.

The scheme, backed by charities Cricket for Change and the Cricket Foundation, the Metropolitan police, the Home Office, and Barclays Spaces for Sports, will culminate in a final in the autumn.

Launching the initiative, Essex and England cricketer Ravi Bopara said: "This project gives kids something to do in the evening rather than just hanging out. All the opportunities I've had in life have come through cricket. It gives you confidence, motivation and direction and helps you take on responsibility."

Police teams will use the scheme to educate teenagers about the dangers of gang membership, drug and alcohol abuse and the possession of knives and other weapons.

Sir Paul Stephenson, deputy commissioner of the Met, said: "This project provides an added opportunity for officers to meet young people locally and understand any concerns they may have around crime, crime prevention and safety." The London boroughs involved are: Brent, Croydon, Ealing, Hackney, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, Lewisham, Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Wandsworth. The project will be expanded over the next three years.