A trailblazing scheme to tackle juvenile fare-dodging has scooped a national award.

Bus firm First, in partnership with Bradford and District youth offending team, was voted best corporate alliance winner at the inaugural Youth Justice Alliances Awards at a Home Office ceremony.

The region's biggest bus company was rewarded for its innovative approach in dealing with young people caught defrauding it by using altered or invalid tickets for fare evasion.

The new system uses a restorative justice approach with the young person and their parent or guardian being offered the choice of attending a meeting with a representative from the youth offending team.

At the meeting the young person admits their crime and the consequences of their actions are explored, including the wider implications of fare evasion on the business and community it serves.

The parent or guardian is asked to express their view on the incident and a written apology to First from the young person is expected.

Steve Graham, managing director for First in Leeds, where First revenue protection staff are based, said: "We are not in the business of criminalising young people but would rather use alternative methods to show them the error of their ways."

Baroness Scotland, Minister for Criminal Justice and Offender Management, presented the award and praised those involved for their "fantastic frontline work".