QUAKERS boss George Reynolds is to visit young offenders to encourage them to steer clear of crime.

The former safecracker will visit Deerbolt Young Offenders' Institution, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, to talk to prisoners about improving their numeracy and literary skills before being released.

The Darlington Football Club chairman will also meet members of the prison football team, as well as inmates who are studying at the institution's Baliol Learning Centre.

The visit has been organised by teacher Maria Waddington, who will give Mr Reynolds a guided tour of Deerbolt.

Tony Galley, principal officer at Deerbolt, said: "Mr Reynolds is a keen supporter of young people in prison who are trying to improve their basic skills, particularly in numeracy and literacy, and thereby reinvigorating themselves for a return to society and a new start in their lives."