Antisocial behaviour in Harold Hill fell by 50 per cent this summer compared to last year.

Havering Council said it was partly due to the opening of the Myplace Centre in Dagnam Park Drive and also the feelgood factor given to young people by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Projects at the centre kept young people entertained, as well as boosting their skills and experience.

They included the HYPE TV project (Havering Young People Engaged), which gives youngsters the chance to work with a professional media company.

Those taking part learned about filming, editing and branding, which included some filming at the Havering Show.

They will continue to work on producing their own films using their new skills.

Cllr Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “What a fantastic summer for the whole country, and even better if it has led to more young people getting involved in their community in Havering.

“This has no doubt been helped by the opening of our state of the art Myplace centre.”