PROBATION workers have been hailed as "remarkable" for successfully working with society's "most dangerous and unpredictable people."

John Crawforth, chief officer of Lancashire's new probation board, thanked staff following the release of an annual report -- the first since a major reorganisation in April 2001.

He said the service was performing well and committed to continuous improvement to protect the public and reduce crime.

Mr Crawforth also told of the commitment to reach people of all communities, a need he said was highlighted by the disturbances in Burnley 18 months ago.

The government has set the probation service a national target to reduce crime by 5 per cent by 2004.

Mr Crawforth highlighted several successes in Lancashire that had already contributed to a 3.1 per cent reduction.

He said the service is one of the top five in the country at hitting targets for offenders completing rehabilitation programmes.

Service staff have worked with the police to establish a multi-agency public protection policy to manage dangerous, violent and sexual offenders

And the service has pioneered a programme aimed at preventing criminals with alcohol or drugs problems from re-offending

Mr Crawforth said: "We thank all of our staff for their remarkable work, including contact with some of the most dangerous and unpredictable people in our society.

"Their commitment is exemplary. Our report shows the progress we are making.

"During the year, the disturbances in Burnley illustrated the essential need for the service to develop close relationships with our communities and other agencies when there are complex problems to be tackled.

"In particular, it is clear that we must have policies and practices for employment and delivery of our service to all sections of Lancashire's diverse population. Our commitment in this area is total."

Lancashire Probation Service's net operating cost for 2001-2002 was £14.77 million.

It employs more than 500 people who have around 5,723 offenders under their supervision at any one time.

Offenders work a total of around 134,657 supervised hours every year in communities.