PROBATION chiefs in Lancashire are recruiting men and women to befriend offenders - and help steer them away from crime.

The Probation Service in the county wants the volunteers to work as mentors with offenders who attend basic skills education and training courses.

Improving offenders' reading and writing helps them to find work - and that plays a big role in preventing re-offending.

But research shows that around half the offenders under probation's supervision have very poor basic skills.

But by getting people to act as pals and mentors for offenders, probation bosses believe they will see more offenders completing their learning courses and gaining essential skills and qualifications that will help them find a job and stay in work.

Research shows employment reduces the risk of re-offending by over one third. So the National Probation Service has set a priority on improving offenders' basic skills. It has set a target for Lancashire to ensure at least 965 offenders - on community sentences and on licence released from prison - start basic skills courses which will lead to recognised qualifications awards.

A volunteer mentor will have to motivate an offender when they begin a basic skills course and encourage them to complete the course and gain qualifications.

Assistant chief probation officer Ian Phillips said: "There is a long tradition of volunteers' involvement with probation in Lancashire and most recently the role and real value of voluntary mentors has been recognised and proven.

"Voluntary mentors are already working with offenders aged 18 to 20 who are subject to probation supervision on the Intensive Control and Change Programme.

"Now we are widening this opportunity for mentors to work with offenders more generally. This is a hugely worthwhile role for responsible adults who want to contribute with us in reducing crime and who wish to support offenders who are learning to change their lives and improving their education and skills."

Mentor co-ordinator Nicola Murray is leading the process of recruiting mentors and can be contacted on 07884 440800 or on 01772 256650. Alternatively e-mail Nicola. Murray@lancashire.probation.gsx.gov.uk.