FUNDING has been gained to employ a youth worker in Burnley to help recruit, support and train volunteers to work with young offenders and young people at risk of offending.

Lancashire Youth Association has secured £200,000 for the Learning and Skills Council (LCS) in Lancashire and the money is helping to fund three workers, one in Burnley and two more in Lancaster and Preston.

The project, which the youth association is managing in partnership with Lancashire's youth offending team, is being supported from the LSC's Local Initiative Fund.

Director of youth work, Graham Whalley said: "The association believes in the ability of local people to get involved and find solutions to issues of anti social behaviour and youth offending in their local community. This project provides and excellent opportunity to show how this can work."

Typically volunteers would be involved in supporting young people in a mentoring role, specifically looking at employment and educational issues, combined with personal goals such as sporting or adventurous activities.

Lancaster University will be providing training in advice and guidance.

Anne Brazier, Lancashire youth offending team county manager, said: "Working with parents and carers of young offenders at the heart of the community is the key to sustaining reduced offending behaviour."

Anyone wanting more information can contact Graham at the youth association on 01772 556127.