BORDON youngsters are gearing up for the townÕs first SNAP disco next Saturday (June 8) in the Forest Community Centre.

A live band will be one attraction on the night, along with computer games, a bouncy castle and competitions.

SNAP discos have already been held in other parts of East Hampshire.

But they are a new initiative for Bordon, which Jo Jordan, of the Forest Community Centre Association, said will be ÒgreatÓ for the town.

SNAP discos, which carry an anti-drug, drink and smoking policy, have built a credible reputation among young people aged between 11 and 17 for being a great night out with all the security and safety measures as a priority.

ÒWe have been planning this first disco for around two or three years and we have finally got it,Ó said Jo Jordan.

ÒThe ones which have been held in Petersfield in the past have been very successful.Ó

Around 300 youngsters are expected to attend the event to see Specialfx playing live and a disco by Jigsaw.

The Forest Community Centre and local police have taken the lead in organising the event, which it is hoped will soon become a regular fixture in the town.

Sgt Rick Davidson, of Whitehill police, said: ÒItÕs something which young people of the area have been saying that they want and we are now giving it to them.

ÒWe hope that they will be a success and we hope to hold about four a year. The second of which is already in the planning stages.Ó

Sgt Davidson said: ÒWe are policing the event but it has actually all been organised by Lindsay Kelly and by the Forest Community Centre,Ó he said.

Set up by national organisation Crimestoppers, the SNAP campaign started in October 1995. Through evening events, including discos and school tours, SNAP encourages its young audience to lead a healthy and drugs-free lifestyle.

Funding for the event has been provided by Whitehill Town Council and East Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, which supports the Crimestoppers campaign Say No And Phone (SNAP).

The event will be held between 7 and 11 pm and tickets, which are available on the door, are £3-50.