CRIMEBUSTERS in Burnley have received a royal reward for making communities safer and turning young people and persistent offenders away from law-breaking.

HRH the Princess Royal presented borough representatives with a certificate at a ceremony in London for the National Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards.

The award follows success in a host of schemes, including a home-security project which has cut burglaries in south-west Burnley by a quarter in 12 months.

Awards judges were also impressed by an initiative in which hardened criminals are given the carrot-and-stick treatment.

Teamwork by the council, police, probation service and community groups also puts youngsters on the right path by educating them, tackling the drugs problem and organising activities.

The Princess Royal said: "Burnley is setting a splendid example in what can be done between the police, the council and communities working together. The challenge now is to keep up this momentum."

Senior probation officer Anthony Pennington said: "Because we work with offenders, we know we have an important part to play in building community safety in Burnley.

"We are delighted to share the recognition which this award brings, and will continue to work in close partnership with others in the development of this work."

Stephanie Bolshaw, youth development leader in south-west Burnley, said: "We feel we are playing our part in work with families, children, young people and victims crime, as well as in work to prevent drug misuse."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.