A COURSE aimed at stopping re-offending among young people in in Darlington has been declared a success.

The police have joined forces with outreach workers and the borough council's Youth Offending and Community Safety Service to help young people to turn their backs on crime.

A initiative called Final Warning was set up in May to target repeat offenders. The course comprises five two-hour sessions and young people have to give up their own time during the week and at the weekend to take part.

The sessions look at issues such as bullying and drug awareness as well as trying to show young offenders the effects of their behaviour on others.

Twenty-six youngsters have been through the course so far and only three have returned to crime.

Shaun Findlay, operations manager for the Youth Offending and Community Safety Service, said: " The sessions had such an impact on one youngster he attended even after his programme was completed.

"Prevention is better than cure and if we can intervene early the more likely we are to turn the young person's life around."

As well as offering support to offenders, the Youth Offending Scheme is looking at ways to develop a programme aimed at getting young people to make amends for their crimes.

Suggestions are needed for projects where offenders can carry out work for the victims of their crimes or the wider community.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "One of main objectives of the service is to implement restorative justice.

"The young offenders can make amends in a number of ways including a letter of apology to the victim or by carrying out work for the victim or the community.

"Victims don't have to be involved, if they don't wish to take part directly - they can still have an input into the type of work to be undertaken by the offender."

The schemes available in Darlington at the moment include basic tasks like litter picking but the council is keen to hear from anyone with a more imaginative suggestion.

Anyone with a suggestion of a scheme can contact Graham Milne on (01325) 346826.