A SCHEME launched to combat the problems of juvenile crime has won a prestigious international award.

The top honour for the Youth Works initiative in Blackburn was announced at the International Society of Crime Prevention Practioners conference in Edmonton, Canada.

The award recognised the outstanding contribution made by Youth Works as part of a multi-agency team working on the Roman Road estate.

Practical activities, training and educational visits have helped reduce crime - such as juvenile nuisance - by 35 per cent across the estate.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson presented the award to members of the successful team.

She said: "The formula of working with young people, instead of against them, is clearly working and fits well with recent Government initiatives that seek to address the causes of as well as the results of crime."

The Blackburn initiative is one of five Youth Works projects round the UK and is hosted by the environmental organisation Groundwork.

Youth Works, which aims to involve young people aged eight to 21, is a partnership that also includes Crime Concern and Marks and Spencer.

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