VOLUNTEERS are needed to serve on Stockton's Youth Offending panel.

From April next year, a government initiative will be introduced to deal with all young offenders, aged between ten and 17, who plead guilty and are convicted for the first time at a youth court.

The new referral orders will require young offenders to appear before community-based Youth Offender Panels, where a contract will be agreed which will include a programme of activities aimed at preventing reoffending.

Ina Birch, referral order co-ordinator, said: "So far, the 11 pilot schemes running across the country have proved to be very successful, with 73 per cent of young offenders successfully completing the scheme.

"Ideally, volunteers would be from all walks of life, including young adults as well as older people, and those from different ethnic backgrounds.

"We will be providing full training for this very worthwhile and fulfilling role."

Tony Hodgson, of the youth offending team, said: "This is an opportunity for the community to be involved in assisting the Youth Offending Team to reduce the rate of youth offending."

For details, contact (01642) 393399.