EFFORTS to cut crime on a troubled Darwen estate have received national recognition.

Youth Works Sudellside has reached the premier league in this year's British Community Safety Awards, organised by Norwich Union and the national charity, Crime Concern.

The crime reduction programme has made the final 15 out of 270 entries.

It was formed to tackle youth-related problems including anti-social behaviour, truancy, unemployment, drug misuse, school exclusion, low skills and education levels.

Between 1997 and 1999, Sudell has seen a 33 per cent fall in total crime.

Burglaries have dropped by 50 per cent and juvenile nuisance by 12 per cent.

Projects have included health advice, support for those permanently excluded from school and diversionary activities, such as The Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and summer holiday activities. Many services are delivered through a drop-in centre.

Nigel Whiskin, chief executive of Crime Concern, said: "The standard of entries has been very high again this year.

"Youth Works Sudellside's success in involving the local community and providing community-based solutions is impressive.

"This partnership approach -- public and private sector working alongside the community -- is exemplary. The results speak for themselves."

Gwilym Hall, Youth Works Sudellside project manager, is delighted with the recognition the project has received so far.

He said: "The results of our work are very encouraging.

"But, of course, the support we have received from a broad cross-section of partners, from the local authority to the local police, has contributed greatly to the success of the project."

Judges will make their final deliberations shortly before HRH The Princess Royal, president of the patrons of Crime Concern, attends an awards ceremony in London on September 4.

The top two winners will go forward to the European Crime Prevention Awards.