EPPING Forest police have unveiled plans to distract youngsters in the district from creating havoc for residents on Halloween.

An under-11s disco, sports events, dancing, art and a variety of music performances will be held throughout next week, in the hope it will keep children and teens entertained and out of trouble in the run-up to the big night next Saturday (October 31).

Loughton Neighbourhood Policing Team Temporary Inspector Tom Simons said he hoped the "package of diversionary activities", organised along with Essex County Council, would have an impact.

He added: "We hope that these [events] will also foster better relationships between police, other agencies and young people."

County council cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Tracey Chapman, said: "We feel it's imperative to take a proactive stance against crime and disorder in Essex, this is why we are working in partnership with Essex Police to plan a range of activities around the Halloween holiday that will provide entertainment for young people and act as a diversion away from anti-social alternatives."

The week's events kick off on Monday (October 26) with free food, drink and music from the Red Zebra Troupe in Debden Broadway.

Halloween itself will see a disco for eight to 11 year olds, and a special Halloween club night for those aged over 11.

Visit loughtonyouthproject.com, email nick.loughtonyouthproject@live.com or call 07967 726851 for more information.