OUTDOORSMAN Derek Lomas has been honoured for his work in helping to make the borough a safer place.

The Wigan Council reparations worker has guided hundreds of young people back on to the straight and narrow just when they looked like taking a wrong turn in life.

As a result he has been presented with a Greater Manchester Police Making a Difference certificate to recognise his contribution to the community.

Through the social services-backed atonement scheme Derek has worked with youngsters who have committed a criminal offence and have chosen to make good their mistakes by working to benefit their locality.

He and his team have been involved in putting them to work on a huge number of conservation-centred projects including woodland management, creating new paths, landscaping Howe Bridge Scout hut and community centre -- and staging a rescue mission to save thousands of bluebells from extinction by relocating them in greener pastures.

Police Youth Development Officer PC Kath Bromilow presented the award.

She said: "We must congratulate Derek on all the positive work he has undertaken by re-integrating young people into their communities, encouraging and promoting positive leadership, role modelling and introducing young people into the working environment.

"All the work Derek has done has been extremely beneficial and the projects he has helped to get underway are making a real and lasting impact on the quality of life throughout the borough."

A delighted Derek said: "The successes we have achieved are very much a team effort and this award is for everyone who has worked with us.

"To work with young people who are in danger of making a wrong turn in life and to help turn them around by giving them something meaningful and worthwhile to devote their time and energy to is incredibly rewarding.

"To see it all work out for the young people is the best reward you could ever get."