Giving young people access to sports and cultural activities has helped to cut crime in many deprived and inner city areas of the country.

The government's Splash Extra summer schemes, supported by £8.8m of lottery money from the New Opportunities fund, saw 91,000 young people taking part and lead to an average 5.2 per cent drop in crime in areas where the scheme was running.

'Splash Extra is about getting people off the sofas and streets and showing them that there are productive and enjoyable ways they can spend their time,' said Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell. 'It is also about giving them experiences that many children in more wealthy areas take for granted.'

Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, chair of the New Opportunities Fund, added: 'We are delighted that lottery money has provided young people with a chance to enjoy challenging activities ranging from outdoor adventure to multi-media projects.' Details: www.culture.gov or +44 (0)20 7211 6200