YOUNGSTERS have been given a taste of life behind bars by a charity that wants to stop them going to jail.

The No Way Trust is a national body that runs crime and safety awareness days to show children the consequences they face if they commit crime or act anti-socially.

The charity, which is helped by volunteers such as prison officers, has a mobile mock prison cell that youngsters can sit inside to get an idea of the environment prisoners have to spend their time in.

The charity held a day for 200 pupils aged 12 to 14 at Fyndoune Community College, in Sacriston.

The day also featured talks and workshops by the police, fire brigade and other agencies.

The fire brigade staged a mock-up of a stolen car that crashed, trapping the driver, who had to be cut free.

The subjects covered during the day including making hoax 999 calls and sending harassing mobile phone messages, and focused on how people can be caught and the penalties they face if convicted. There was also a talk on crime and punishment by an ex-offender.

The charity's deputy chief executive officer, John Johnston, a prison officer at Frankland Jail, Durham, said some youngsters had a false impression of life in jail from the media and TV dramas.

"The colour TV in a cell is a reward for good behaviour and it is not a God-given right. Some think after watching Bad Girls that they are entitled to this stuff.

"They are informed as to the facts. The whole thing is about giving them the correct facts and dispelling myths."

Mr Johnston said feedback from the youngsters was excellent.