Ospreys rugby stars are lending a helping hand in the police campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Tonna area.
Players Hale T-Pole, Steve Tandy and Ed Shervington attended a social evening and youth engagement event at Tonna RFC and organised by the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership. The trio handed out rugby advice and coaching tips to local youngsters, as well as signing autographs, posing for photos and handing out Ospreys Top Trumps cards.
Police have been working to reduce anti-social behaviour and annoyance in Tonna following concerns raised by the local community.
Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership anti-social behaviour officer, PC Kevin Davies, said: "We have successfully reduced anti-social behaviour in Tonna by the action we have taken so far and this event was organised to further engage with local youngsters.
"We are delighted that the Ospreys have agreed to support our initiative which we feel will help in our ongoing campaign of reducing anti-social behaviour in Tonna."
Police have targeted the area in recent weeks, sending letters to parents of children who have been found to be in areas where the anti- social behaviour has been taking place.
This measure, along with the extra high-visibility patrols, has resulted in a 50 per cent decrease in calls to police about anti- social behaviour.
Ospreys Managing Director Roger Blyth said:
"We take our responsibilities to the local communities across the region very seriously and as such were delighted to help South Wales Police by attending this event. It's important to remember that youngsters such as those who attended Tonna RFC are our future, and if our positive influence can help improve their outlook on life in anyway then it's important to do what we can to help. We work closely with our sponsors npower renewables on a number of ongoing community initiatives and are pleased to be able to add this event to an already extensive schedule."
Ospreys star Steve Tandy added:
"It was a very successful evening, the youngsters who attended enjoyed themselves, and we had a bit of fun with them. Events like this are important as they help to create a strong link between the Ospreys and the local community and I'm sure that we'll be back to visit in the future."