COMPLAINTS about lack of action for teenagers could be a thing of the past with the launch this month of AltonÕs first ever SNAP disco.

Aimed at the 11 to 17 years olds the event will take place on Saturday, March 15, at Alton Sports Centre, and itÕs likely to be a sell-out!

A great line-up is promised, with DJ Leroy acting as MC for an evening of live music featuring popular solo artist David Graham and Irish boy band DÕSide who were voted winners of the 2002 Smash Hits Best New Touring Act Award.

DÕSide have recently recorded their debut UK single Speechless, a slice of up-tempo pop to be released on Monday.

The artists should certainly make it Òa night to rememberÓ for the townÕs youngsters, who will also be able to enjoy computer games, jousting on a giant inflatable, free-to-enter quizzes and the chance to win some great hi-tech prizes.

In addition, the sports centre cafŽ will be open for food.

An initiative which has enjoyed huge success across the UK, SNAP discos (Say No and Phone) were started to support the aims of the national charity Crimestoppers.

According to deputy town clerk Greg Burt: ÒThey are designed to give youngsters a really good night out, while providing parents with an assurance that the event is being managed by responsible adults, in an alcohol, drugs and tobacco-free environment.Ó

The message to youngsters is clear - ÒIf you are offered drugs, Say No and Phone 0800 555 111.Ó

The discos run from 7pm to 11pm and everyone entering will be asked to submit themselves to a search, as a condition of entry, to be carried out by trained security staff under police supervision.

AltonÕs debut SNAP disco is being organised by Alton Town Council and Alton police in partnership with Alton Lions and others, in support of the East Hampshire Community

East Hampshire District Council is providing seed money for the first event, the proceeds of which will then be rolled forward to fund the next one.

ÒSNAP discos have been held in many towns and cities across the country and until now Alton youngsters have had to travel to Petersfield and Bordon to take part,Ó said Mr Burt who is delighted that at long last Alton is to host its own disco.

Leading the project, Alton Inspector Steve Mote is upbeat about the event. ÒA lot of work has gone into organising this first SNAP disco, and it needs to be a success if we are to consider holding these events regularly; we have pencilled in three more dates for this year in Alton.Ó

The idea, says Insp. Mote is that, while holding them on a regular basis but not too often, they will become Òsomething to look forward toÓ for the townÕs teenage population.

Tickets for AltonÕs SNAP disco will cost £4 and can be obtained in advance only from reception at EggarÕs, Amery Hill and Perins Schools, the Newbury Building Society in the town centre and from Alton Sports Centre itself.

ÒPlaces are limited to 500 so it will be first come first served,Ó said Mr Burt who would like to remind parents that they will be asked to deliver their off-spring to the sports centre and pick them up after the event.