YOUNGSTERS who have enjoyed dance lessons as part of a police initiative put on a show alongside their TV dance heroes.

Cornish dance group Flava, who garnered fame and a following after appearing on the ITV programme "Britain's Got Talent" and also appeared at last year's Face of Plymouth final, helped with the routines at Stoke Damerel College for a showcase event.

The 'Fresh Off Da Streetz' project, which aimed to get youngsters off the streets at night and into healthier and more positive pursuits, was put together by local police sergeant Sgt Julie M'Hand, formerly of the Devonport Neighbourhood Team .

As part of Chief Supt Jim Webster's groundbreaking 'Operation Talents' programme, she invested a police-funded grant in a handful of dance lessons for local kids.

Such was its success she then joined forces with the Plymouth Youth Service to fund a three-month trial at the college, opening the doors for any youngsters between 10 and 18 from Ford, Morice Town, Keyham, Devonport and Stoke.

The growing band of wannabe dancers were taught by Plymouth breakdance instructor Toby Gorniak with increasing numbers at the twice-weekly sessions.

Sgt M'Hand said the Plymouth youth service "Streetwise" team helped create the Showcase Talents event at Stoke Damerel Community College to celebrate the youngsters' achievements.

The icing on the cake was the visit by Flava, who not only taught the youngsters moves, but performed with them on stage.

Sgt M'Hand said: "They're really brilliant role models. They have been working with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and we thought as a reward for all the work done by the local youngsters it would be great if they could show their efforts to Flava.

"We then thought why not let all the young people in the community see the work these youngsters have done?"

Before long the event grew to include an audience of community leaders, residents, school children, police and local agencies include the fire service, the Harbour Centre, Environmental Health, road safety and others.

Sgt M'Hand said: "We had a day of advice and stands at the college with all the partner groups and then the training sessions with Flava before the big stage show.

"The college had just had a talent show with bands and singers so we got those acts involved as well.

"The acts were brilliant. Flava did an incredible routine, then all our youngsters got up and did their one, and by the end everyone got up. It was really, really brilliant and showed what can be done if you involve you local youngsters in something positive.

"The Fresh off Da Streetz was about offering a diversionary activity for young people who would otherwise be hanging around the streets, but it was also about young people being able to make positive choices and empowerment. Dance is also an excellent way to get fit, stay in shape and be healthy.

"We've seen a dramatic change in some of these youngsters. They have been well behaved, positive and keen."