Project that helped teens transform their lives axed

A police-run youth project that helped struggling teenagers turn their lives around is being axed due to budget cuts.

The Aston Project was set up in 2011 to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Cheltenham by rewarding young people, who volunteered or joined clubs, with activities such as pony trekking or canoeing.

But in bid to plug a £12.3m funding gap, Gloucestershire Police is scrapping the scheme.

Young people who benefited from the project are now appealing to the force not to destroy a "beautiful project" that has "filled their lives with happiness" during their tough times.