YOUNG offenders in Lancashire have been interviewed by officials in a bid to find out why they keep committing crime.

And they told workers that official bodies must work more closely together to help them get back on the straight and narrow.

The findings were presented to the police, probation, youth offending team, housing associations, homeless charities and drug workers at a seminar held in Preston last week.

Lancashire's Youth Offending Team, the Youth Justice Board and North West Regional Prison Service conducted the research.

The findings showed that young offenders often fell into gaps between services provided by the different bodies and returned to crime while they were in limbo.

Catherine Witt, county youth justice manager, said: "We've taken a fresh approach by making sure the style of the interviews doesn't put pressure on people,which has led to them giving more honest answers.

"There are very often very complex interlinking reasons why young people re-offend including substance misuse problems, social issues and difficulties finding accommodation and work.

"By allowing young people's voices to be heard, the recommendations highlighted by this research offer new insight into the difficulties faced by young people.

"I'm very pleased with these findings which will help to reduce re-offending and ultimately cut crime in Lancashire."