A FORMER special police constable is helping put youngsters on the right track and prove there is more to life than crime.

Helen Clews, 41, grew up in Wythenshawe and spent five years volunteering as a part-time bobby in the area in a bid to give something back to the community.

While working on the beat, she grew tired of hearing teenagers complain they had 'nothing to do' - leading many to fall into trouble. The trained actress decided to use her passion for drama to channel their energies and ensure their lives were kept on track.

She set up Southside Drama in Northenden to provide creative activities for children of all ages and backgrounds. Fourteen years later, the group is still going strong, with hundreds of youngsters being kept out of trouble and inspired to pursue their dreams.

Now, she is helping her students secure their path to university by encouraging them to study for speech and drama qualifications - from the age of 12.

The examinations are run by the London College of Music and Media and give young people the chance to gain points for university entrance.  Depending on the level of success, the qualifications can be worth up to a grade A at A level and grade C at AS level.

Mum-of-two Helen, an immigration adviser at the British Council in Manchester, explained: "I didn't have the chance to take drama at school so I paid for private lessons out of my Saturday money.

"I wanted to give children the opportunities I didn't have, so I set up the school.

"I came from a single-parent family on a council estate and want to show these youngsters that they can make something of their lives. They don't need to go down the wrong path and get into trouble.

"I tell them they can be the next prime minister if they want to be and should never be ashamed of who they are."

She said the community is still suffering from the hurt caused by the Duchess of York's recent documentary on life in Northern Moor but hopes the achievements of her students prove that the area has plenty to offer.

Michael Gavin, 15, from Wythenshawe, believes he'd be 'messing around on his computer' if it wasn't for Southside. He said the sessions have boosted his confidence and kept him on the straight and narrow when some of his peers have fallen by the wayside.

Michael added: "The school has helped to change my life. I'm hoping to go to college to study drama next year and that's down to Southside.

"This area gets a bit of a bad reputation but there are loads of people who want to succeed in life and Helen brings that out of you."

His friend Sarah Bennett, 16, also from Wythenshawe, has high hopes of pursuing a career on the stage. She is well on the way to securing enough tariff points to go on to higher education and hopes to become the second in her family to go to university.

Sarah said: "It keeps you on the right path - because Helen used to be in the police she gives you good advice and you listen to her as she understands com ing from a similar background."

Another of the youngsters from a very different background who has benefited from the sessions is Megan Powell. The 15-year-old from Wilmslow says the classes have helped her overcome problems at school and have given her the chance to mix with students from different backgrounds.

She said: "I struggled with normal school and had to be put into a private school in Alderley Edge but going to Southside has opened me up to more diversity."