A YOUTH camp which has been held successfully in Bradford for almost a decade is taking place in Keighley for the first time.

The week-long event, organised by Bradford College and West Yorkshire Police, will be held at University Academy Keighley during the school summer holidays.

The police camps – first staged in Bradford in 2009 – cater for children aged nine to 15, and combine sport and other fun activities with education workshops.

Three hundred places are available at the Keighley event, which is being held from August 13 to 17.

Youngsters will learn a range of lifeskills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, self-defence and first aid.

Participants will also get the chance to meet police staff and representatives of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the army.

Keighley West councillor Adrian Farley, Bradford Council's executive member for children and families, said: "It is great that children in Keighley have now got the chance to take part in these summer camps.

"The camps have proved to be really popular in Bradford so I would encourage our young people in Keighley to sign-up and make the most of this opportunity on their doorstep."

Organisers say the camps have boosted young people's skills and confidence and had a positive impact on reducing anti-social behaviour in the areas served.

Superintendent Daniel Greenwood, of Bradford District Police, said: "These camps allow police and partners to engage with young people and deliver our messages in a fun and innovative way.

"Our aim is to educate youngsters on the consequences of anti-social behaviour and the importance of personal safety, so they can ultimately become confident young adults who will make a positive contribution to society.

"It is important to give young people something to do in the school holidays and this multi-agency setting allows us to build links with communities, while promoting trust and confidence in neighbourhood policing."

Nosheen Qamer, police camps project manager at Bradford College, said anyone signing-up to the Keighley event could expect an "action-packed and fascinating" week.

She added: "The camps are a great opportunity to make friends, have fun, build-up confidence and pick-up valuable lifeskills.

"We are grateful to University Academy Keighley for allowing us to use its fantastic facilities and, as always, thankful for the wonderful support of our partners at Bradford Council, the fire service, army and Incommunities."

The camps also offer volunteering opportunities for people aged 16 and over, such as sixth-form or college students seeking work experience and a chance to enhance their CV or university application.

There is also a camp taking place at Bradford College's Trinity Green site, from August 6 to 10.

The camps cost £15 per person, per week.

For more details and to book a place, or to apply for a volunteer role, visit policecamps.bradfordcollege.ac.uk.