A group of pensioners have been bowled over by a challenge from teenagers desperate to prove they are not yobs.

Youngsters in Sketty Park palled up with the pensioners to organise a bowling session and show the older members in the community that not all youngsters deserve a bad reputation.

After hearing that many people considered the younger element in the community troublemakers, the youths formed their own group to show there is another side to the coin.

Andy Evans, of Swansea Council's youth services, said the members had enthusiastically taken to their task.

He said: "The youngsters are trying to break down the barriers between the old and young residents in Sketty Park.

"The group, who range from 11 to 14 years old, thought organising a bowls match with the local team at their community centre would be a positive step in building a relationship with them.

Mr Evans added: "The youngsters do not have anywhere to go in Sketty Park, and this is the first time they have gone into the centre.

"Very often, when young people are seen hanging around on the streets they are seen as problem.

"But these youngsters want to show they are not troublemakers and they aim to take part in community projects to raise their profile."

Sketty Park Bowls club member Alan Ridd said the evening with the youngsters had been enjoyable and he hoped they would come back to the centre to improve their bowling skills.

He said: "It was a marvellous idea and some of them are very promising players.

"With a bit of practice, they could play for our team.

"They were very well behaved and showed that not all youngsters are troublemakers."

The youngsters now plan to organise a number of further events including an inter-generational buffet.