EX-CONVICTS are sharing their experiences at schools in Hyndburn to ward young people off a life of crime.

Charity Ynot Aspire has joined up with police and others to create a new scheme to tackle violent crime in the borough.

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No Way Out? has been set up following a five per cent rise in violent incidents over the past 12 months.

The team, including staff from the charity, Lancashire Police, Hyndburn Homes, Early Break and prison officers, will hold a series of workshops with young people in schools.

The first was held at The Hollins Technology College, where youngsters spent the day exploring the consequences of violent crime.

Chief officer at Ynot, Sharon Burch, said: “The day takes a very real look at how easy it can be to become involved in violent crime, some of the contributing factors and the journey that could take you on from arrest to prison and beyond.

“It looks at how this can affect not only the person involved in committing the crime, but also the lives of the victim, their friends and families.”

The workshops also include input from ex-convicts who have served life sentences and give a powerful insight into what life in prison is really like.

Assistant head teacher at Hollins, Helen Dougan, said: “It had a positive impact on so many of our students in so many ways, and the No Way Out? day was superb.”

Police officer Leonna Hopkinson said: “The sessions aim to provide young people with a realistic look at what can happen if you get involved in criminality, with meaningful insights from people who have first-hand experience.

“We hope that having this opportunity will act as a powerful deterrent for young people in the area.”

And Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “One of my key priorities is tackling crime and reoffending and early action is essential to achieving this.

“The No Way Out? project is an excellent example of how organisations are working with young people to help them understand the consequences of crime .

“I am committed to supporting prevention and early action initiatives to help young people make positive choices and steer them away from becoming involved in anti-social behaviour. ”