Almost £15,000 worth of funding has been shared between diversionary projects acrossNorth Wales in a bid to help reduce anti-social behaviour throughout the Halloween and Bonfire period.

78 projects involving local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have been awarded funding made available through Community Fire Safety, North Wales Arson Reduction Team and PACT (Police and Community Trust).

"The funding has been awarded as part of B.A.N.G (Be a Nice Guy) which is a joint allWalesinitiative between Police forces, Fires and Rescue Services and our partners" said David Evans from the North Wales Police and Community Trust.

"Policing teams acrossNorth Walesmade a bid for the money in order to hold diversionary activities such as Halloween parties to engage with the youngsters in their local communities and act as a diversion away from anti social alternatives."

He added: "We know that there is excellent work going on out there and we hope the activities will help foster better relationships between police, other agencies and young people. The teams should be congratulated for all their effort and hard work."

Activities across the Force area include Halloween parties and discos with fancy dress competitions and organised bonfire displays. In many of the areas the diversionary activities are being given as part of a reward for the young people's good behaviour within their community by taking part in activities such as litter picks.

Gareth Griffiths, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "We want to support any organised bonfire and fireworks which North Wales Fire and Rescue Service or North Wales Police are involved with, as these are safest way to enjoy bonfire celebrations.

"We urge everyone to attend an organised display as they are also a cheaper way to enjoy the evening. By helping to support these initiatives we are able to reach a lot of youngsters to get the safety messages about both Halloween and bonfire celebrations so that everyone in the region can enjoy a safe and happy time."

Police Officers and PCSO's have already visited schools and youth clubs to give talks on personal safety and the impact of anti social behaviour on others. Posters - one welcoming Trick or Treaters and the other asking callers to move on have also been distributed to vulnerable residents.

Educationists from North Wales Fire and Rescue Service have also been visiting schools to educate youngsters about the dangers of playing with fireworks and distributing a poster competition. To enter visit the North Wales Fire and Rescue website.

If you would like further information regarding activities that are happening in your area, or if you would like to receive a copy of the posters, please contact a member of your local Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 101, or log onto the force website where contact details for individual members of your team are available.

For further details regarding organised firework displays in your area log onto the North Wales Fire and Rescue Service website.