WORK carried out with and by young offenders from York and North Yorkshire has gone on show.

Organised through the York and North Yorkshire ISSP (Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme), the exhibition was held at the Priory Centre in Priory Street, York.

It was attended by senior managers from a range of statutory and voluntary agencies, councillors, police, magistrates, ISSP staff and young people.

The aim was to highlight work to address issues such as anger management, substance misuse, community activities and driving theory exercises.

There were presentations by some of the agencies the ISSP works with, including a keynote speech by Mark Summers, of the Youth Justice Board.

There was also an opportunity to for delegates to watch DVDs that young people were involved in making with during the summer.

Young people accessing the ISSP tend to be prolific offenders or have committed a serious offence for which an adult would receive a lengthy prison sentence.

All of the young people who attend ISSP are subject to court orders.

Coun Carol Runciman, Liberal Democrat executive member for children's services at City of York Council, welcomed the opportunity to showcase the work of the young people and the youth offending team.

She said: "Often these young people feel that they are unable to achieve control over their lives or to do anything that society recognises as positive.

"This gave a chance for a range of people, from a variety of organisations, to see exactly what can be achieved. Liberal Democrats feel it is important to support alternatives to custody which are interesting and constructive for young people."