LESS than a week ago, the two teenagers who set fire to Middleton St George Primary School, near Darlington, would have been free to play football in the sunshine with their friends, catch the bus to school or simply lie around at home playing computer games.

Today, those freedoms will probably seem like a distant memory to the 14-year-olds as the harsh reality of life in a secure unit starts to sink in.

The youths, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were given a two-year detention and training order after admitting arson at Teesside Crown Court - a sentence, says the Youth Justice Board, only given to those who represent a high level of risk.

They will spend half that time locked up in the unit - similar to the Aycliffe Young People's Centre - and another year out on licence, closely monitored by Darlington Borough Council's youth offending team.

The boys wept in court as they were led away by guards, a common reaction from youngsters to custody, according to Andy Errington, the council's head of youth offending.

"It's hard," he said. "Often they cry in court because they are leaving their mothers for the first time, and their friends and family. It's a rude awakening."

One of the toughest things they will face will be other offenders, many of them hardened criminals serving long sentences.

"There are some in there who are in there for very, very serious offences, though of course this is a serious offence itself," said Alex Rhind, deputy manager of Gateshead Council's youth offending team.

For two youngsters with no previous convictions, it is likely to be a huge shock to the system.

"This is about deterrent and punishment. It's not a nice place to go," said Mr Errington. "Obviously, their liberty is curtailed. It's a prison in all but name."

Each day will be strictly regimented, with the boys attending school within the unit. Much of the rest of their time will be spent on programmes designed to make them understand their crime and its effects.

"With these two, it was a very serious crime and two years is the minimum they could have got at Crown Court," said Mr Errington. "It is sometimes better that they do get this sudden, sharp reminder about their behaviour."

The chances of the pair re-offending after their spell inside are slim, he added.

"In cases where people haven't got a long criminal record, it does tend to be an extreme deterrent."

In a year, the boys will return to their family homes and will be expected to carry out work in the community.

"There's an argument to say that putting young people like this who have no previous record in a prison for two years costs us money and gives nothing back to Middleton St George," said Mr Errington.

"When they come out on licence we will try to make sure that they do repay the village in some way."