A LANCASHIRE Police scheme aimed at steering drug addicts away from a life of crime has been highly commended at a national awards ceremony.

Pennine Police's Tower Project was among three schemes recognised at the National Justice Awards in London, along with projects in Nottinghamshire and Cheshire.

Finalists and winners were invited to the special awards ceremony, at the Institute of Directors in London, hosted by the BBC's Fiona Bruce.

The Tower team, led by Inspector Roger Ravenscroft, involves police knocking on the doors of known offenders in Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale and urging them to enrol in a 'carrot and stick' scheme.

The stick is the warning that if the crooks refuse to take part, they will be targeted by other police departments.

The carrot is help with housing, benefits, education and, crucially, drug treatment in co-operation with special health and drugs teams.

In the past 18 months, more than 90 people have been through the scheme, and police point to a 20per cent drop in burglaries as a result, along with cuts in car crime, another offence typically committed by drug abusers.

Insp Ravenscroft said: "We were delighted with the commendation we received at the awards.

"We have a highly-dedicated team of people, and it was nice to see their efforts being recognised.

"What we are trying to do is break the cycle of offending that drug users can fall into, and engage with them to offer help with treatment, accommodation, and jobs and training.

"Although some people may accuse us of taking a soft approach to offenders, this is a long-term strategy aimed at keeping people away from a life of crime.

"It is entirely voluntary and if offenders turn down our offer of help and continue to commit crime, they will be dealt with by the police and the courts."

The team includes a prison link worker, funded by European cash, who liaises with police on offenders being released from jail who can be helped, and a police volunteer.