A SUCCESSFUL volunteer mentoring project is being extended to youngsters who might be at risk of offending or reoffending.

Forty trained volunteers on the Sunderland scheme have been matched with young people to provide them with support and guidance.

The mentoring scheme, which is one of the largest in the country, is run by a partnership.

The organisations involved in the scheme are Sunderland City Council's social services department, the Youth Offending Service and the National Children's Bureau.