A KIRKLEES project to stop young people turning to crime has won an award.

The Shine magazine initiative has been handed a Just Creativity prize for helping youngsters change their lives.

The magazine scheme was launched by Kirklees Youth Offending Team and Kirklees Youth Inclusion programme.

It saw young people aged eight to 18 working with writer Craig Bradley to produce a publication called Shine.

The youngsters took part in every part of producing the magazine from writing and interviewing to designing artwork. A total of 2,000 copies were then published.

The project was one of 30 nominated across Yorkshire to win an award, organised by the Yorkshire Arts and Youth Justice Partnership.

Andy Carver, executive director of the Arts Council England in Yorkshire, said: “These projects demonstrate the value of the arts in enabling young people to reach their potential and in reducing reoffending.

“Participation in high quality and innovative arts projects such as these can lead to opportunities in education, training and employment for the young people involved and help them to develop their interests and skills in the arts and creativity.”

The awards were presented at a ceremony in Leeds.

Malcolm Potter, regional manager for the Youth Justice Board, said: “Everyone who took part in these projects should be congratulated for the diversity and quality of work produced and it is great that we have the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate these achievements.”