A TEENAGER who turned his life around after taking part in a gardening project has been presented with a Shrievalty award.

Fifteen-year-old Dylan Etheridge, from Dipton, had been involved in crime and anti-social behaviour outside of school and his lifestyle was seriously affecting his relationship with his family.

He was referred to the police HAGGRID project in September 2013 by his school, North Durham Academy in Stanley.

Training assessor Dave Errington said he was initially quiet and appeared uninterested, but then something changed.

While preparing a war memorial flowerbed at Burnhope that the project intended to plant, Dylan stepped forward and said "the local primary school should be involved too so they take some ownership of the work once we leave".

He then realised the benefits of community involvement and the scheme won an award from the Royal Horticulture Society.

Mr Errington said: “He is a very likeable, easy-going and hardworking young man that has clawed his way back from a lifestyle that he now looks back on with regret.

“His new found ways have meant his behaviour both in and out of school is much better that has now led to a strong and lasting relationship with his mam and family.”

Dylan said: “I am over the moon, chuffed. I never thought I would ever be working with the police because at one point I was against them and was always in trouble with them. Now I have no issue with the police. I have changed my life around.”