THE hunt is under way for thousands of people across North Yorkshire who would be willing to play a part in new methods for dealing with young offenders.

Youth Offender Panels are an initiative by the Government, aimed at encouraging tearaways to recognise the impact of their crimes - and then to make amends.

From April next year, youngsters who plead guilty to a first offence will be referred to the panels, made up of two volunteers and a qualified member of the local Youth Offending Team.

The panel will meet the young person, their family and, where possible, the victim, to thrash out a contract with the offender.

The contract may include activities or restrictions designed to prevent further offence and to repair the harm done.

If the scheme is to work, thousands of volunteers will be needed across England and Wales. The North Yorkshire Youth Offending Team is hoping to hear from people in the region who would like to be considered.

Spokesman Barry Graham said: "We have already started recruiting panel members in North Yorkshire with some success.

"However, we do need many more volunteers to ensure this community-based initiative reduces youth offending within the county. Volunteers are particularly required from the Skipton, Richmond and Harrogate areas.''

Launching the initiative nationally, Home Office Minister Beverly Hughes said: "Young people need to understand that, whenever a crime is committed, there are consequences.

"In many cases a person suffers and there is a very real effect on people in the wider community.''

Anyone who would like to volunteer to be a member of a Youth Offender Panel can contact Mr Graham on (01723) 341367 or write to the North Yorkshire Youth Offending Team, 4 Hawkhills Drive, Easingwold, YO61 3EG