The 'We Can Do It' event – held in Mount Ellen on Saturday – saw local residents enjoying a host of activities, including a climbing wall, football coaching, boxing and cheerleading demonstrations, martial arts and giant games.

Visitors to the event, which was organised by Strathclyde Police in partnership with local agencies, also had the opportunity to get information on health, well-being and personal safety.

One of the organisers, Constable Kay Elliott, said: "This was extremely successful in achieving our aim of reaching out to local communities, bringing them together with local organisations and providing them with tasters of a variety of activities that are available to them.

"Residents went home better informed and aware of just how they can take advantage of these opportunities."

Divisional Commander of North Lanarkshire, Chief Superintendent Caroline Scott, said: "We Can Do It was fully supportive of the objectives of the force-wide campaign 'Break the Circle of Violence', currently underway across North Lanarkshire.

"These type of events can have a positive impact on youth disorder, by giving youths something more productive to do in their free time, raising awareness of alternatives available to them and, perhaps most importantly, making it as easy as possible for them to get involved.

"We have a responsibility to listen to local communities to acknowledge and respond to their needs."

A number of local representatives attended the event.
Coatbridge and Chryston MSP Elaine Smith and Tom Clarke, MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill, were delighted by the turnout.

Mr Clarke said: "This was a brilliant exercise in community relations which I think is very positive and relevant to the problems we face in this community.

"My warmest congratulations go to everyone involved, especially the services upon whom we rely so much."

Local councillors Joe Shaw and Frances McGlinchey said the day had been a resounding success.

Councillor Shaw said: "This event has allowed local communities to see the police are approachable and has given them the chance to have their say about their local area.

"Strathclyde Police officers have put a lot of time and effort into making the event a success."

Councillor McGlinchey added: "Young people are often demonised, but the reality is the majority of young people have lots to offer their local community.

"The community police do a lot of good work in the area and they have been wonderful in encouraging young people along.

"It is important this event is not just a one-off and that young people can link into more sustainable youth activity following the event."