YOUNGSTERS from across Europe came to Kent to record a CD about issues including anti-social behaviour and crime.

The event was organised by members of the Maidstone Youth Forum and brought together 14 to 18-year-olds from France, Germany, Belgium, Finland, Cyprus, Spain, Russia and Portugal.

The conference was made possible thanks to a Government grant secured by the youth forum and Maidstone Borough Council.

Pupils from each country came up with songs and raps about problems facing youngsters in their hometown or city.

Ahmed Nuaman, youth forum leader, said: "We hope to learn from our European neighbours and incorporate their ideas towards our approach on anti-social behaviour.

"The youth forum is the 'voice of the youth' in Maidstone and this conference has made a difference to our way of thinking. The music CD will help young people relate to these issues in a way that is meaningful to them."

Vronni Ward, Maidstone Borough Council youth support officer, added: "For example in Finland we learned that they had big problems with street drinking so they made their lyrics about that.

"In Belgium they have a 25 per cent unemployment rate so in their piece they were talking about that, and they all did it in their own language which made it even more interesting."

Delegates arrived in Maidstone on Friday, and met Maidstone Youth Forum's 11-strong cabinet.

On Saturday, the youngsters were formally welcomed by the Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Morel D'Souza, before travelling to the Swattenden Centre, Cranbrook, to work on the CD.

They worked with Gillingham-based BEAT Project - a team of three DJs and three producers who teach young people how to use mixing decks and record their music onto disc.

Cllr Mike Fitzgerald (Ind), Maidstone council cabinet member for communications, said: "I admire the young people for what they are doing. They are trying to make a positive difference to our borough and are welcoming their peers from Europe to share ideas and find solutions to complex problems."