POLICE say they discovered youths gathering inside a former pub building.

Officers sent youths away after they had been seen inside The Mason Arms building in Atherton, last Thursday (April 15).

In a statement on the GMP Leigh, Atherton & Hindley page, officers said on Thursday: "Good evening from your Golborne and Lowton team - We`re all out and about at the moment with Operation Bluefin, the PCSOs have been tasked with patrolling Leigh Town Centre and the canal path.

"Others are out and about in Pennington Park, the bus Station and the guided bus way station."

It added: "Officers have been mobile in the Atherton and Tyldesley area and spoken to a few individuals who thought the Mason Arms had changed to a youth club and they could hang out inside, this rumour was quickly dispelled and they were sent on their way.

"On a positive note we spoke to a few young people on Astley Street park last night who were just sat quietly talking with each other, when spoken to they were polite and well mannered, no issues, no shouting or being rude to others, just sat having a catch up with each other."