YOUNGSTERS can take advantage of a range of events over the half-term holiday in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour across the district.

Debden Broadway played host to music from the Red Zebra Troupe on Saturday October 26, kicking off a week of events leading up to Halloween.

The rest of the programme features something to suit all tastes, from football, BMX and skating, to art, beauty and dance shows.

Loughton Neighbourhood Policing Team Temporary Inspector Tom Simons said: “The partnership with Essex County Council will enable us to deliver a complementary package of diversionary activities aimed at young people throughout the Halloween period.

“We hope that these will also foster better relationships between police, other agencies and young people.”

The Halloween night finale will be an 'In The Jungle' disco for under-11s and a Halloween Club night for older children and teenagers.