Wasteland where teenagers can ride mini motorbikes is being sought in a bid to stop them turning to crime.

Unruly youths who tear up strips of public land and pavements on motorbikes have been condemned by police.

But volunteer project worker Gary Reyes is spearheading an effort to find five acres of scrubland between Brighton and Eastbourne to allow youngsters to ride in freedom and legally.

Mr Reyes, 47, aims to run courses in motorcycle mechanics and repairs and bike preparation on the land.

He also hopes it will be used for teens to ride a range of bikes, including quad-bikes, minimotorbikes and go-karts.

He said he has permission from the Environment Agency to plant trees and sculpture land to buffer noise and he plans to use straw bales instead of tyres to fit in with the surrounding countryside.

He believes the initiative, aimed at children of any age, could prove life-changing for those lacking direction.

Mr Reyes moved to Eastbourne two years ago from south London where he ran a similar scheme which he said helped scores of troubled teenagers away from crime.

He said: "It proved excellent in building confidence, friendships and mechanical skills.

Police would bring kids to the project in handcuffs and thank us for running it. At the end of the 12-week course you would notice a real difference in a lot of the children who came to us.

"Many came from tough backgrounds. Some were completely wild. The project gave them an escape and allowed them to learn new skills and eventually turned their lives around. That's what we are hoping to do in Eastbourne but we are finding it difficult getting anybody to let us use their land.

"We have been searching for ages but no one has come forward to help.

"Noise would be kept to a minimum. The project we ran in south London was set between two schools and was 150 yards away from the nearest classroom yet we never received complaints about noise."

Anyone able to help can contact Mr Reyes on 07821293676.