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 national charity Crime Concern.

The crime-reduction programme has made the final 15 from 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, total crime in Sudell has fallen by a third. Burglaries have been cut by half 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 Duck of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and summer holiday activities.

Chief executive of Crime Concern Nigel Whiskin said: "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."

Youth Works Sudellside project manager, Gwilym Hall, 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."

HRH The Princess Royal, president of the patrons of Crime Concern, will attend the awards ceremony in London on September 4. The top two winners will go forward to the European Crime Prevention Awards.