A youth centre in Southmead has been praised for its work in using sport and leisure activities to tackle anti-social behaviour.

For the last 10 years the Southmead Youth Centre, on Greystoke Avenue, has been involved in Positive Futures, a national project funded by the Home Office.

Every week it helps about 150 young people develop skills and confidence by encouraging young people to play an active role in their community and take up sports, music, volunteering and other opportunities.

Young people with disabilities are also actively involved in the project.

At its most recent evaluation, in September, the Positive Futures work by Southmead Youth Centre was judged to be of a "gold" standard, the highest possible rating.

The award was based on how well the project is managed, its partnerships with other organisations, the range of activities for young people and attendance levels.

Marie Manser, a senior youth and community worker at the centre, said: "This project is making a real difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people.

Councillor Clare Campion-Smith, cabinet member for children and young people, was delighted at the praise. She said: "It is a positive incentive to young people and the local community to see what effort and hard work can achieve.