INNER-city teens were taken on a three-day fishing trip by cops to stop them joining gangs, it emerged yesterday.

Seven Somalian youths went on the taxpayer-funded £375 jaunt to a private fishery.

Cops described it as a "positive activity" for the teenagers who live in a gang-infested part of Lewisham, South East London. They caught carp and bream and learnt how to apply for rod licences - but also got know their local officers.

Now cops hope to repeat it for teens from other ethnic backgrounds.

And other forces are interested in the scheme - which could even lead to a fishing competition.

Metropolitan Police Inspector Andy Laurie organised the trip to Berkshire.

He said: "The guys who took part weren't gang members but they live in an area where there are a lot of gangs and they are at risk of joining them." He added: "Engaging them in positive activities, giving them something to focus on and make them realise police are people has to be a good thing."

But the TaxPayers' Alliance said the cost was "inappropriate" in a recession.