A TEENAGER has described how she turned her life around after getting involved with a crime prevention scheme.

Rebecca Smith (15), of Collen Crescent, Brandlesholme, lives with her parents, four brothers and two sisters.

Speaking at Bury West Area Board meeting on Wednesday of last week, the Elton High School pupil described how her life was beginning to spiral out of control with problems at school and bullying.

She said: "I had nothing to do after school and was being bullied which nearly led me to get into trouble, but then I got involved with Youth Inclusion and Support Panel four months ago."

The panel (YISP) work with youngsters, aged between 8 and 17, who have been identified as being at risk of offending or anti-social behaviour.

The four YISP officers, part of Bury's Youth Offending Team, assess and work with these children to help turn their life around by developing ways for them to avoid crime, support the parents and help the children take part in activities.

Rebecca said: "I've stopped doing bad things my friends wanted me to do and become more responsible. I now have a part-time job, go to the gym and swimming or to the cinema and Megabowl after school, and I am staying out of trouble."

She has been closely supported by the Ramsbottom, Tottington and Bury West YISP officer Pauline Seville, who attended the meeting with Rebecca, her youth worker and her parents.

The youngster is now working hard for her GCSEs so she can go on to college and says her role models are her father and Jennifer Lopez.

"I look up to my dad because he treats me with respect and shows me right from wrong. I also admire Jennifer Lopez. She lived in a rough area and she went for her dreams. She got what she wanted and if she can do it, then so can I."

Coun Yvonne Creswell, board chairman, thanked Rebecca for her bravery in being so honest. She said: "It's not easy to say you may have not doing things right in the past. I bet a lot of us here tonight would not stand up in front of everyone and admit it. I think you are wonderful."