WATFORD people are doing their bit to help tackle youth crime by helping on new youth offender panels.

Ten of the latest 15 recruits serving on the South Hertfordshire panel are from Watford.

This follows an appeal by the Hertfordshire County Council's Youth Service for more volunteers.

Referral order co-ordinator Mr Kevin Jones said: "We're pleased that so many people in the Watford area have come forward to train for this challenging and rewarding work.

"We now have more than 60 panel members in Hertfordshire and another 25 hope to start training before the end of the year."

Youth offender panels, brought into force nationally in April, are a completely different way of dealing with young people who plead guilty and have no previous convictions.

Each panel consists of two local volunteers and a professional from the youth offending team.

Victims are encouraged to attend the more informal court to say how the crime has effected them and suggest what the reparation should be.

A monitored programme is then drawn up with offenders and their parents. In the first four months only four of the 143 young people returned to court for breaking the terms of contract.

Mr Jones said the scheme is proving a success: "The main aim of youth panels is to nip offending in the bud and steer young people away from crime and all the sign are that this is working."

He urged others to help: "We always welcome more volunteers, particularly people from ethnic minorities and people in their late teens and twenties.

"Young people, especially young men, are often the victim of crimes and panel members should reflect society."

Volunteers are fully trained and spend two or three hours a week as a panel member. Hours are flexible: evenings or Saturdays.

Travel and childcare expenses are paid.

For more information, telephone Mr Jones on 01992 556334.

August 20, 2002 17:30