A SCHEME that has steered hundreds of young people away from crime and into sport in Wear Valley and Teesdale is to be extended for another year.

Positive Futures, a national programme, is aimed at youngsters aged between ten and 19 who have offended or are at risk of offending.

It uses physical activities to build relationships between the youths and responsible adults, inspire them to make decisions for themselves and steer them towards education and employment.

The project is managed locally by Wear Valley District Council, and on Wednesday night, councillors made a decision on whether to continue to deliver it for another year.

During the past 12 months, the scheme has engaged with 266 young people, including 50 youngsters who were believed to be most likely to commit crimes.

They are referred to the programme from a number of agencies, including the police, social services and Connexions, to offer physical activity sessions and educational workshops.

Just under 70 per cent of the 266 youngsters have continued in the programme for at least 12 weeks. Of the 50 who were deemed most at risk, only four are known to have re-offended.

Michael Laing, the council's strategic director for the community, said it was not just the youngsters involved who benefited.

He said: "Each case entering the criminal justice system will cost the ratepayer in excess of £10,000 per case.

"We are aware that there has been a reduced number of young people entering the criminal justice system in the county.

"This scheme has diverted 50 children from going back into the criminal justice system, and as such, has probably saved the criminal justice system - and therefore the taxpayer - £500,000."

The project is funded by Crime Concern and the Youth Justice Board via Durham County Council's youth engagement service.

District council leader Neil Stonehouse said: "This authority has been tough on crime, but we've realised it's important to try the softer approach. I'm delighted that we've been given the go-ahead for another year."