THE organisers of this year's Splash activity programme for young people have hailed it a success. More than 111 activities were held over the summer holidays offering over 20,000 places.

The Schools and Police Liaison Activities for Summer Holidays was formed 14 years ago and is a registered charity operating a wide range of activities for young people aged ten to 16 in Wiltshire.

The activities run during the holidays when many young people become bored and restless.

Splash aims to provide an alternative focus for their energies, with the hope of discouraging them from criminal and anti-social behaviour.

A guide to the Splash activities was distributed to every pupil in Wiltshire

And a new website was also launched this year which is receiving a growing number of hits from young people, teachers, youth workers and members of other voluntary organisations.

Splash co-ordinator Tracey Watts said Splash had opened some young people's eyes to new activities.

And attending Splash events had led to them making new friends.

She said: "We want young people to enjoy their summer break and to have something constructive to do with their time.

"Very often this can be a long and difficult time for families. Without plenty to do young people can get bored and drawn into activities which can cause confrontation within the community.

"Splash gives young people the opportunity to try something new and meet new friends while keeping them safe from harm."

Splash and Wiltshire Education Authority secured funding through the New Opportunities Fund in 2002 and introduced Splash Tap Targeted Activity Programme .

This is a three-year project working in conjunction with Splash and offering young people opportunities to learn new skills and improve their self-esteem and confidence.

Among the activities were metal work, stone carving and traditional pole lathing.

Several young men built a sculpture which now sits outside the offices of Kennet District Council, which supported the project.

The sculpture, at Browfort, Devizes, is of a wooden boat sitting on top of a huge stone wave. Underneath looms a giant octopus with sinewy legs made of metal.

Jo Beal, the arts development officer at Kennet District Council, said: "The sculpture not only captures brilliantly the spontaneity and humour of youth but is also extremely professional in its finish."