A group of West Yorkshire mums have won government backing to re-take their streets back from young criminals.

The small group of mothers have formed Safe Areas for Everyone in the face of rising street crime involving youngsters in Bradford.

They mount regular street patrols of known trouble spots and use parenting skills to defuse potentially-criminal situations.

The move has been praised by police in the city who are working with the mothers.

As part of the group's plan, more than 150 women in the city are to receive special training over the next year in how to become more streetwise.

Sarina Butt: Children will listen to a woman

Founder Elizabeth Hellmich, a mother of two and a child minder, said: "We see more and more unruly kids running around.

"They have no aim in what they want to do.

"I think that with all the trouble that has happened in Bradford, some have taken advantage of that."

Group co-founder Sarina Butt said: "I feel as a mum you should be loving and caring for your family.

"Children will listen to a woman when they would tend to be frightened of a man."

Mobile phones

The mothers have received a government grant which will go towards paying for classes in safety awareness for women.

State cash will also pay for mobiles phones so patrolling mums can liaise with the police.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "It starts with low-level crime, breaking into cars, graffiti and criminal damage.

"But then it can quickly escalate.

"There's no doubt that if you can get in there at that low level you can stop it."