A PASTOR has set up a Boys' Brigade group in St Ann's to keep young people out of trouble.

It is the first Boys' Brigade group for St Ann's, and aims to fill the need for regular youth activities in the area.

It has been founded by Kehinde Sodipo, known as Kenny, who is Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Covenant Restoration Assembly St Ann's.

Kenny said: "From the time I have spent in St Ann's my experience so far is that children need direction. They have lots of time which we can invest in order for them to be responsible citizens.

"The plan is they will engage in sports and activities. We develop five things: body, mind, spirit, creativity and community responsibility.

"We do this through field activities and camping, and those sort of things.

The Boys' Brigade is a youth organisation which predates the Scouts, and welcomes both boys and girls, despite its name.

The church and Boys' Brigade group are both based at Blue Bell Hill Community Centre.

Kenny, who is also a science teacher and biotechnologist, lives in St Ann's and decided to start the Boys' Brigade group about a year ago.

"Before I came to the UK I was part of the Boys' Brigade in Nigeria where I grew up," he said.

"We had fun but we were taught to be disciplined and responsible.

"In St Ann's I've seen children going round banging on people's doors. They did it to my door.

"And I've seen the older ones going around the streets causing trouble. I believe we can engage them positively.

"We can at that age teach them to be responsible and that is the aim.

"In the long term we will be able to produce young adults who are socially responsible and hopefully cut the crime rate.

"St Ann's has a stigma attached to it. Hopefully, in the future we will be able to say that stigma is gone."

The Boys' Brigade is a Christian organisation, but young people do not need to have a faith to get involved.

Members usually range from five to 18 years old, but Kenny's group will take members from four-and-a- half years.

Although most members in the St Ann's group live in the area, the group will welcome members from surrounding parts of the city.

They are meeting at the community centre from 5.30pm to 7pm on Saturdays. They met for the first time last week.

Parents who want their children to be involved can just take them to a meeting, but should, ideally, contact Kenny in advance.

Adults are also needed to volunteer.

Call 07846 440506 or e-mail kennyshow1@yahoo.com.