ART work produced by young offenders in Sunderland has gone on display.
The exhibition of abstract paintings at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art in the city follows a series of workshops involving artist Paul Merrick and youngsters aged ten to 17.
The workshops, funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, were held as part of Sunderland Youth Offending Service's Positive Images art scheme.
This involves weekly art sessions in which offenders considered their behaviour, and the effect it has on others, as well as trying to make a positive contribution to the community.
The scheme is one element of the service's Community Payback scheme which encourages young offenders to take responsibility for their actions.
Youth Offending Service reparation officer Greg Wheatley said the scheme gave youngsters the chance to channel their energies into something positive.
Following the success of the art workshops, a photography course is under way and there are plans for anti-bullying and anti-drugs posters produced by the youngsters to be displayed on the Tyne and Wear Metro.
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