A POSTER designed by a young offender on a crime reparation scheme has won a youth offending team (YOT) a national award.
The Youth Justice Board has awarded Gateshead YOT's Crime Reparation Scheme its national PR Award for good practice and innovation for the "Drugs are for Mugs" poster, launched last December.
The poster was displayed on the Tyne and Wear Metro system to warn people about the perils of drug misuse.
It was designed by a 17-year old who had been placed on a supervision order by magistrates after being convicted of a criminal offence.
The young person, who has not been named, was required to attend an art project sponsored by Metro operators Nexus to promote messages against drugs, vandalism and graffiti.
Head of Gateshead YOT Brian Langley said: "This was a complete surprise but I am delighted at the award.
"We run a number of very successful reparation schemes in Gateshead, which give young offenders the opportunity to make amends for their behaviour."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article