CRIME prevention and youth offending teams want mature mentors to work with young people.

The Wigan Council teams work with 8-17 year olds who are considered at risk of offending or who are within the criminal justice system.

Following a period of training and a police records check, volunteers will spend one or two hours per week with the young person on activities that they will arrange together.

Mentors can feedback to the co-ordinators and share their experiences with each other at special monthly meetings.

Project Co-ordinator, Andrew Brookfield said: "We are looking for people from a cross section of the local community.

"The right people will understand young people and be able to establish their trust, have good interpersonal skills and be experienced and mature enough to give the right sort of advice.

"Initial training involves elements of child protection, equal opportunities and adolescent behaviour, with further training available in areas like drug awareness and sexual health."

Training is due to start on Saturday 22nd of January at John Tiernan House, Platt Bridge.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact Lorraine Taggart or Andrew Brookfield on 01942 487100/776886. Recruitment is ongoing so enquiries can be made at any time.