VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help rehabilitate young offenders in North Yorkshire.

Local people are needed to train as community panel members for the county's youth offending team.

Most young offenders, appearing in youth court for the first time and who plead guilty, must be sentenced to a referral order of up to a year, depending on the seriousness of the offence.

They must then appear before a community panel which works with the young person and their family to investigate why they offend and draw up a contract.

The contract tackles the young person's offending behaviour and is aimed at preventing re-offending and re-integrating them back into the community.

"The panels have been operating since April 2002 and the experience has been very positive," said operations manager Barry Graham.

"On average, more than 240 referral orders a year have been made in North Yorkshire since their introduction.

"We are looking for men and women over 18 and from every ethnic and social background to help tackle youth crime in our community.

"Panel members need no formal qualifications. However, a degree in common sense with a touch of humour from the University of Life does help."

Anyone interested in becoming a panel member can contact Mr Graham (01723) 341367 or Jenny Hudson on (01347) 823177.