YOUNGSTERS in Devizes had no excuse for being bored this summer with a huge range of activities provided by both Camp Xtra at Devizes School and a pop up youth cafe on The Green.

The converted van run by church youth leader Steve Dewar is fitted out with computer games, iPads and sports equipment and includes a kitchen to make drinks.

It was originally paid for by an innovation fund set up by Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson when his office was established in 2012.

This summer he popped in to the pop up cafe to chat to Mr Dewar who is employed by Youth for Christ and find out what a difference it can make.

Mr Macpherson said: "This is a good example of one of the many good causes which my office funds along side financing our local Force. Helping areas and people build a positive community which inevitably helps prevent crime.

"This van is a great community support facility - engaging with young people and giving them something to do rather than possibly idling their time away and getting in to trouble."

Mr Dewar said: "This van helps us engage with and inspire young people - often under privileged teenagers - as well as being an opportunity to work with the local police teams and other agencies to develop a positive focal point for the communities we visit.

"It also helps us try and tackle the challenges of society like poverty, anti-social behaviour and children not having enough to do.

"This is a way of preempting issues in a community or area and doing proactive, positive work to prevent things like anti-social behaviour and crime from building in the first place."

The van was on Devizes Green at the beginning of August and then moved on to Trowbridge.

One of those who enjoyed the visit was Lexi, 11, who said: “After the closure of Devizes Youthy, local teenagers are still keen to be active and part of the community but sadly no longer have the support and resources available, it’s great to have this running again."

Last week the sporting and craft activities moved to Devizes School where Paul Wickens was in charge of Camp Xtra.

He said: "We maintained the core activities that have proved popular over the years including kayaking, cookery and trampolining but tweaked others to offer a new experience, such as and portraiture and photography and ultimate science and technology.

"Camp Xtra is a carefully planned summer holiday activities programme to develop children’s skills, give opportunities to experience new things and make new friends. The main aim for the week is for the children have lots of fun within a safe learning environment.

"Costs are kept affordable to ensure families get good value for money without compromising the quality of coaching on offer."