A SCHEME to cut truancy and permanent exclusions from County Durham schools has been recognised by a European award.

Durham County Council's Impact Project was chosen by Peter Hain, Minister for Europe, for a European Award 2002.

He singled it out for the way it uses European money to effectively address the issues affecting wayward youngsters.

Durham Euro MP Stephen Hughes presented the award to county council chairman Charlie Magee yesterday.

Mr Hughes said: "I am incredibly proud of the hard work of county council staff involved in putting together this innovative and excellent scheme.

"I will be sharing this information with my colleagues in Brussels to show just how European money can be spent to improve the lives of young people throughout the rest of Europe."

Set up in September 2000, the Impact Project is partly funded through the European Social Fund Objective Three programme.

Pupils are nominated by their schools to take part, and attend one of five centres where tailored education packages are delivered.

They are given basic skills training, careers advice, drugs awareness, counselling, anger management, communication skills and examination advice.

Maureen Clare, head of access and inclusion for Durham Education Authority, said the project had helped many youngsters to re-engage in learning and improve their prospects for the future.

She said: "It is also proving a very valuable part of our strategy for reducing levels of truancy and permanent school exclusions.

"Everyone involved in this project is absolutely delighted that their endeavours have been recognised by this award."