AN organisation that aims to prevent young people slipping into a life of crime and anti-social behaviour has received £700,000.

The money has been given to North Yorkshire's youth offending team (YOT).

It will be spent on identifying children at risk of getting into trouble with police.

The youngsters will then be helped to change their ways.

The money has been provided by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) as part of a £45m to be given out nationally over the next three years.

North Yorkshire County councillor Caroline Patmore said: "We are committed to turning around the lives of young people at risk of offending by diverting them away from crime and anti- social behaviour.

"This new money will build on the excellent work of the North Yorkshire YOT and is a testament to the success of the early intervention approach."

YOT staff teach life skills to youngsters at risk of offending.

They work closely with schools and give support and advice to teachers and parents. North Yorkshire YOT manager Steve Walker said: "We are delighted to receive this additional funding.

"Although crime rates are generally low in North Yorkshire, we look forward to achieving further improvements as a result of this support."

The YJB was set up under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to monitor the performance of the youth justice system.

Its aim is to prevent offending by children and young people up to the age of 17.

YJB chairman Professor Rod Morgan said: "One of the most effective ways to reduce crime is to prevent young people from getting into trouble in the first place.

"Extra funding for prevention work is commonsense economics."

The YOT is seeking volunteers to train as members of community panels, which work with young people and their families to investigate why they offend and to draw up a contract to prevent re-offending.

To become a panel member, call Barry Graham on (01723) 341367