A FORMER offender is going into schools to urge young people to keep away from crime as part of a new police scheme.

Police in Hyndburn have launched the multi-agency initiative to improve relations with young people, focusing on those involved in anti-social behaviour.

PC Rob Flanagan took up the new role of youth partnerships officer at the end of January, after months of planning and development.

He and other team members have been working with Hyndburn's youth offending team and group intervention panel, which meets to discuss young people referred by the police, and is developing stronger links with schools.

One of the initiatives involves an ex-offender from Blackburn - who spent time in prison for various offences - working as a police volunteer and speaking to young people about the consequences of crime.

Great Harwood-based PC Flanagan said: "All police have youth development officers who work in schools, but we wanted to work with other partners too, to get the different agencies and groups working together.

"There are a lot of good things in place to help young people, but we need a more joined up approach."

The team is working with schools to identify those causing problems.

They also meet and support residents who are affected by anti-social behaviour and issues around young people.

PC Flanagan said: "Education plays a huge part in our work and we have done sessions within a number of schools. Next term officers will deliver several packages to young people focusing on issues ranging from criminal damage and anti-social behaviour to underage drinking.

"We are also running specific group work within schools focusing on peer pressure, drugs and crime and consequences.

"There are a lot of assumptions about young people in the media. Some of this is unjustified.

"Statistically, adults cause more anti-social behaviour than those under 18. We deal with a minority of young people through our interventions, but the role of the police service to educate and inform the general public is vital."

Sharon Burch, anti-social behaviour officer for the Fair Share Wards of Hyndburn, said: "By working one to one with these individuals, we are able to identify causes of behaviour, focus upon the consequences of crime and also assist them in finding positive diversionary activities and changing their behaviour."