PLANS to cut youth offending in two deprived former mining communities will be unveiled tomorrow.

The scheme, organised by workers from the Youth Inclusion Programme, will list 50 youngsters aged between ten and 15 who are most at risk of offending in Catchgate and Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

It aims to reduce arrest rates in the target group by 60 per cent, cut recorded crime by 30 per cent and reduce truancy and school exclusions by at least a third.

Project co-ordinator Susan Butler said: "The aim of the project is to make sure they are included in mainstream activities, with our support to help them overcome a variety of social problems.

"This is a preventative programme and does not mean that the children who work with us are offenders.

"A child classified as at risk can simply be someone who just likes hanging around on street corners."

From its base in Greencroft School, Annfield Plain, the team will run activities to keep youngsters away from crime.

The activities will be available to all children aged ten to 16 in Catchgate and Annfield Plain.

Mrs Butler said: "It is for all, but we will work on a one-to-one basis with the 50 in our target group."

The project is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund. Youngsters will be referred to the programme by a multi-agency steering group, including representatives of the police, social services, schools and education welfare.

"Once we have identified the 50, we will try to engage with them," said Mrs Butler.

"The programme is voluntary, nobody is forced to come, but it is innovative and exciting and, hopefully, young people will want to take part."

The team will launch the project tomorrow, when pupils from Greencroft and its feeder junior schools in Annfield Plain and Catchgate will take part in taster sessions.

These will include a course in Brazilian football skills, street dancing with music from a DJ, indoor rock climbing, nail and graffiti art, beauty therapy and basketball.

The programme will then be opened officially on Thursday, at 1pm.