A NEW rugby club to keep boys and girls busy and out of trouble over the summer holidays has been hailed a great success.

Hitz rugby, which launched in New Addington only a few weeks ago, is already making a big difference to the community.

Fieldway Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) officers have been involved in setting up the sessions in Milne Park.

PCSO Guy Jackson said: "Hitz has been really successful in getting youngsters off the streets.

"I've seen them all joining in and it's really good for team building.

"The scheme is helping them stay out of trouble and there are other exit routes available for them through it.

"If they are up to the right standard they can be referred to Croydon Rugby Club."

The scheme has been designed to occupy 11 to 18-year-olds at a time when they are at risk of drifting into crime or antisocial behaviour.

PCSO Jackson added: "I have referred about 25 youngsters to Hitz myself.

"I've just gone up to them if they look like they haven't got anything to do and let them know about it.

"We also made a point of targeting a few youngsters known to us from before to keep them out of trouble."

The free sessions run on Mondays between 4.30pm and 6pm until at least December and all young people from New Addington and Fieldway are welcome to go along.