In 1999, 42 young people came together in a series of work shops which produced a poem about their vision of a crime free New Millennium. This poem was called BEACH OF GOLD.

This was sent to International Paints in America by Chief Inspector Woods of Northumbria Police, as an entry to their world wide poetry competition.

Our poem was displayed in the United Nations in New York at an exhibition opened by United Nations Secretary- General, Kofi Annan.

They tell us we are trouble, we have no respect, they don't know us, so what do they expect.

They say we steal, mug and rob, they say we drink and don't want a job.

They say we're just lawless and anti- social, but who are they? They don't know us.

We get together in the park or out in the street, for that's where we choose to meet.

Talk to the youth workers, the police and the old, anyone who wants to listen on our Beach of Gold.

We want to help, to be positive is a must, we fundraise for charities and various trusts.

We plan and organise, we help each other, not everyone wants to be in bother.

The workers support us in our participation to bring about our areas regeneration.

We want to be safe and have a good time, we want to learn and reduce fear of crime.

They who tell us what to do, don't know us, they haven't a clue, those who listen know the score we just wish they would listen more.

We're not all perfect, some do things that are wrong, some do steal and some take drugs, but don't treat us all like thugs.

We have dreams just like they who have all the say, they shouldn't see as they expect, they should give us mutual respect.

That's all we ask: to get on with our task, to help each other build a better time, free from fear and free from crime.

Perhaps they and we could get together if we are bold, to ensure a rainbow on our Beach of Gold.