YOUNG tearaways will be given help and support in order to tackle their anti-social behaviour in a £500k scheme.

Local authorities, including Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley Council, will receive £250,000 each for their Challenge and Support projects.

This cash means that whenever a young person is given an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) they are also provided with the help and support needed to change their anti-social behaviour.

Each project has committed to using Individual Support Orders to run alongside ASBO's as part of the approach.

The funding announcement was made by Beverley Hughes, the Young People's Minister.

She said: "We know that tough enforcement is important in challenging young people's bad behaviour.

"But we also know that should be followed with support to tackle the underlying problems.

"These projects are a real opportunity for local areas such as Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley to turnaround the lives of the most vulnerable and destructive young people in their community.

"Our aim is to make sure that every young person has the very best start to life.

"By addressing the underlying causes of bad behaviour we can hope to increase educational attainment and help those at risk of substance misuse."

In total, 52 areas have received £250,000 each as part of the Challenge and Support funding scheme which works with around 15,000 troubled youngsters each year.

Individual Support Orders require young people to take the support they need to change their antisocial behaviour.

The Government claims they are not a soft option and alongside ASBOs deliver a tough message to make young offenders stop their antisocial behaviour and get the help they need to mend their ways.

The £13m has been made available to help deliver the project as part of the Youth Taskforce Action Plan.