Home secretary Theresa May has praised a Norwich community project for its work to help young people and tackle anti-social behaviour.

Mrs May met with Norfolk chief constable Phil Gormley and spoke at a private function for senior female police officers at Dunston Hall, near Norwich, during her visit to the county yesterday.

She also toured the Future Project in Motum Road, Norwich, a community-based venue which provides education and media training along with a community radio station. The project provides activities for young people and contributes to the regeneration of the area.

Mrs May met staff, volunteers and members of the community - and even had a go on the DJ mixing decks.

She said: 'I am very impressed by the work I have seen here today. It is clear there is a lot of enthusiasm for this project and people value its contribution.

'The success of this project is testament to the dedication of many people. It is a great example of how communities can pull together to improve the quality of life on their own doorstep.'

Project director and founder Dawn Jackson said: 'We were the only charity that she visited during her trip so it was a great honour for us.

'She met staff and members of the community and showed a real interest in what we're doing here. She was very interested in the education we offer and our community radio work.

'She said that she was delighted to visit us and that she had heard all about our work which was really nice to hear.'

Future, originally called the NR5 Project, started in 2000 as a response to up to 40 young people congregating in the area and causing anti-social behaviour.

Today it employs 18 full-time and part time staff and there are more than 1,500 people registered to Future and over 500 volunteers have worked with Future Radio. It aims to increase skill levels and allow young people to contribute to all sections of the local economy.

Do you have a crime story for the Evening News? Contact crime correspondent Ben Kendall on 01603 772423 or email ben.kendall@archant.co.uk