THREE years ago, Josh Blythe had never even caught a fish. Now, the teenager is designing a new fishing rod handle.

Eighteen-year-old Josh is one of the success stories of a scheme helping young people avoid the temptations of crime.

The Get Hooked on Fishing charitable trust has now been made part of the region's bid for European Capital of Culture 2008, which aims to involve people from all walks of life.

Get Hooked was the idea of PC Mick Watson, who set it up in 2000 with the Durham Agency Against Crime (DAAC) and Bishop Auckland Angling Club.

Although none of its members have been in trouble with the law - it is one of its rules - Josh says the project could help those who may be tempted.

Josh, of Durham City, said: "The scheme gives people an opportunity to do something with their spare time. I know someone who does not go fishing, and who has nothing to do, and he dropped out of school and then dropped out of college."

A pupil in the sixth-form at Durham Johnston School, he is designing a rod handle which could help people with weakened grips and also everyday anglers.

"I could not imagine doing something like this before I joined Get Hooked on Fishing. I would love to develop my idea further, perhaps commercially," said Josh, who hopes to study design technology at university.

PC Watson, executive director of the charity, said he was delighted that organisers of the culture bid had cited it, adding: "I support anything that promotes the image of the region."

Get Hooked on Fishing is part of the Coordination of Social Inclusion Programmes (Cosip) in Durham, a partnership of agencies helping young people develop through everything from fishing to rock climbing.

Chief Inspector Tim Wilson, executive manager of DAAC, said: "What we are doing will have benefits for young people in the future. We support the culture bid because it highlights the positive side of young people."

The culture bid includes £25m for community projects, more than any other bidding city.

Paul Collard, head of programme development 2008 for the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, which is spearheading the bid, said: "Winning the title will raise our international profile, unleashing the potential of the whole region.

"We can look forward to many more projects like this and providing more opportunities for young people like Josh."

* In two months, more than 158,000 people have signed up to support the bid. For more information, see www.visit newcastlegateshead.com