A HYNDBURN youth club project has been nationally recognised for its impact on reducing crime locally.

Police said the Paul Hunter Foundation youth group in Church had such a dramatic effect on reducing anti-social behaviour in the area it had saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of pounds.

More than 110 projects entered this year's Tilley Awards and the Hyndburn project is one of just 11 finalists from across the country.

PC Rob Flanagan said that prior to the project the Church area saw high levels of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour and the perception among residents was that the problem was due to young people from the area.

The popular youth club, run by North Lancs Training Group (NLTG) and local police, is based at the Cuemaster Snooker Club, Blackburn Road, and regularly attracts up to 50 youngsters to events.

PC Rob Flanagan said: “The difference that this club has made in its local area is very real and very stark. It really shows that projects that are put in place in areas where there are problems can have a big impact.”

He said criminal damage in Blackburn Road had reduced by 20 per cent since the project began in September 2008, and Church has seen a 27 per cent reduction, equating to preventing £294,000 worth, of criminal damage.

NLTG’s world snooker coach, Chris Lovell, said: “These are staggering figures and we would like to thank all our partners.

“The main objective of the Paul Hunter Foundation is to provide free snooker, to get disadvantaged children off the streets.

“We have had a lot of support from the charity and in particular Steve Davis the snooker professional who has been a real inspiration.

“He has been to the club on a number of occasions to meet everyone.”

Hyndburn Inspector Andy Winter said: "This is a fantastic achievement and I congratulate them on their nomination for this national award. It really goes to show that partnership working really can provide huge successes in a community."

The awards take place later this year.