COMMUNITY minded people in Wharfedale and Aireborough are being asked to help beat youth crime by joining new panels.

The Youth Offender Panels will work with young offenders and their families.

And their aim will be to make young offenders take responsibility for their behaviour and to help them put things right for their victims.

The panels have been created by national legislation, following the completion out of successful pilot schemes elsewhere in the country, and will start from the Spring next year.

Magistrates will from then on refer all first time offenders, aged between ten and 17 years old and who have pleaded guilty to an offence not serious enough for a custodial sentence, to their local Youth Offending Team.

The panel members -one from the Youth Offending Team and two from the local community - will then meet with the young person and draw up an action plan to tackle their behaviour.

Rebecca Gilmour of Leeds' Youth Offending Team, said: "We're looking for volunteers who can represent their community and with free time they want to fill constructively.

"No special experience is needed, so anyone over 18 years can apply, but what we really need is people who are good listeners and good talkers."

Training will take place before the panels begin work and once they are in operation, regular training and support will be given.

Although they will be an important part of the criminal justice system, they will differ from Youth Courts. They will be run more informally and will not involve legal personnel.

It is hoped this will promote better communication between those who are young offenders, their family and their victims.

Information sessions will be held at Leeds Civic Hall on Monday, November 19 and Wednesday, November 28. Anyone interested in finding out more should telephone Rebecca Gilmour at the Youth Offending Team on (0113) 214 5662.