A CAMPAIGN to encourage courts to send fewer women to prison is canvassing support in the region.

Smart Justice is calling for effective alternatives to custody after it said only 16 per cent of women were imprisoned for serious offences.

A conference on the issue will take place at South Bank Women's Centre, Middlesbrough, and will include talks from local projects and the Prison and Probation Services.

One speaker will be Wendy Shepherd, from the Sexual Exploitation of Children on the Streets (Secos) project, based on Teesside, which works to prevent the exploitation of young people through prostitution.

Helen Attewell, of Smart Justice, said: "Imprisoning low-level female offenders does not help, when 81 per cent of women shoplifters are back inside within two years.

"We are concerned that a spell in prison does nothing to help women sort out their lives and stop offending.

"The conference is an ideal opportunity to discuss measures that will have an impact on reducing crime, through changing offenders' attitude and behaviour."

Local councillor Pearl Hall who is endorsing the initiative, said: "We need more resources in the community to tackle the causes of crime."

The free women's-only event will be held from 9.30am to 3.30pm on Wednesday. To take part, call Jackie Scrivins on (01642) 296166.

A further conference will be held at The Bridge Women's Centre, in Columbia, Washington, Wearside, on April 5. To take part, call 0191-417 0218.