THE Probation Service in Lancashire is set to play a leading role in the fight against crime.

Under new legislation that came into force yesterday the service's traditional 'criminal's friend' image is to be redefined.

The service is now to be presented as a law enforcement agency which will work within the criminal justice system to protect the public.

The new legislation creates the National Probation Service for England and Wales which, the Government has decreed, will have a central role in the administration of justice.

The new service will deliver community punishments by supervising offenders within the terms set down by the courts or the parole board.

Its key aims will be to reduce crime and the fear of crime, to dispense justice fairly and efficiently and to promote confidence in the rule of law.

Lancashire has a budget of £14.5 million, an increase of 23.9%.

John Crawforth, chief officer of the Lancashire service, said: "the new legislation represents a "challenging and exciting agenda" for the service.

"The creation of a National Probation Service, locally managed and delivered on behalf of the people of Lancashire, will offer important new opportunities for making a concerted attack on crime and significant reductions in the numbers of those who become its victims."