AN organisation which helps young offenders make the break from crime has been commended.
Calderdale Youth Offending Team and a Calderdale organisation called PitStop 2000 Ltd which runs youth activities ranging from camping to go-karting on its behalf were highly commended for tackling social exclusion in the Making A Difference Awards organised by the Government office for Yorkshire and Humberside.
Jeff Rafter, operations manager for Calderdale Youth Offending Team, said: "Our involvement is essentially a long-term investment and we know the projects we run are successful by the marked improvement in young people attending.
"Young people who are at risk, sometimes not in education or involved in the criminal justice system, have the chance to learn real skills, experience new activities and make the most of themselves through opportunities developed within the team."
PitStop manager Adrian Woods said: "We aim to get young people involved in an environment free from bullying, peer pressure and parental hassle.
"It's about having fun and learning real skills under a disciplined structure.
"The kids have to participate in activities that develop their social skills, teamwork and appreciate that privileges have to be earned."
