LANCASHIRE is leading the fight against persistent young offenders, according to the county's police authority.

Chairwoman of Lancashire Police Authority, Dr Ruth Henig, met with HRH The Princess Royal at a high-profile conference to tackle persistent young offenders.

Dr Henig, also chairwoman of the National Association of Police Authorities, was a key speaker at the Crime Concern event, in London, alongside representatives from the criminal justice system and community safety. She gave an insight into Lancashire's policing to tackle youth offending including a project that has reduced crime by targeting persistent offenders with drug addiction in Blackpool.

Dr Henig said: "There was a very interesting discussion which focused on the most effective ways of dealing with persistent young offenders.

"I felt honoured to be invited to speak and was able to show how Lancashire is leading the way in spearheading many major policing initiatives such as the Tower Project.

"Youth offending is a major problem for our communities across Lancashire but a number of pioneering projects are now working to tackle the issue. These rely on close working across all agencies including police, health and the probation service as partnership working is essential if we are to be successful in solving community problems."