A PROJECT set up in Bolton just nine months ago to try to stop persistent offenders from going back to a life of Crime after release from prison has proved to be a success -- helping to get ex-offenders back into work.

The Bolton Persistent Offenders Project (POP), set up in April 2002, has so far seen 12 people get back into work because of the project.

The project, organised by the probation service and the police, gives offenders the chance to get their life back on track after release from prison, with a network of agencies there to help, including health groups, employers, housing and leisure services, and alcohol and drugs services.

Offenders who have committed six offences in the last 12 months are eligible to take part in the six-month compulsory programme, where they are given support and fast track access to relevant local agencies. Those who fail to co-operate with the team are taken back to court. Twenty-nine people are currently taking part in the project.

Susan Berry, project manager of POP, said the scheme had made a significant impact on offenders' lives and helped to make the community safer. She said: "Many offenders are hostile to taking part in the project at the beginning, but once they realise that we're all here to help they co-operate and work hard to turn around their lives.

"The changes that we have seen from offenders have been remarkable. We've had people who were not interested in getting into full time employment, but by the end they have got jobs, or gone into training or full-time education. We believe we're helping to reduce crime and make the community safer."

The project is scheduled to run until March 2004 when funding runs out -- although staff are hoping to secure more funding to ensure its future.

It was set up as part of the Bolton Crime and Disorder Strategy and is funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund.