The SummerLinc programme which is costing �40,000, will provide a range of activities for young people during the long school break.

Activities offered include dance, music and rock climbing.

Lincolnshire Police have denied they are going soft on juvenile crime.

Spare time

SummerLinc is organised by Lincolnshire Youth Services in conjunction with the police's School's Out Programme.

Lincolnshire Police Divisional Head of Community Safety, Chief Inspector Tom Bell said: "It's about reassuring the public and trying to reduce crime and the fear of crime particularly in relation to young people.

"But, that doesn't mean to say we believe all young people commit crime, clearly they don't.

"It's just a minority of young people that we are concerned with."

'Deserve reward'

Youth group leaders are also keen to point out that teenagers who behave well also need to be rewarded and praised.

Steve Clewit, Organiser of Summer Link in Lincoln told the BBC why such schemes are vital.

He said: "It is not just people who are in trouble or people who have got time on their hands.

"There's young people out there who care for their parents in that sort of role and they deserve some sort of reward as well."

If youngsters get out of control they have been warned to expect harsher treatment as they have been given more opportunities this summer.