TEENAGE offenders who have turned their lives have been hailed as ambassadors.

Their enterprising efforts working have been captured on a DVD, called ‘Repairing the Harm’.

Youngsters have removed graffiti, created a community garden at Runcorn Fire Station and worked with elderly people on an intergenerational project.

Frances Done, chair of the youth justice board commended their endeavours as she launched the DVD in Runcorn.

She said: “Far from being an easy option, restorative justice can be a much harder lesson for a young person to learn as it can man them meeting up with their victim and facing up to the harm they have caused.

“It is important that young people who commit crime and anti-social behaviour are held to account for their actions and the youth justice system treats their victims with respect and offers them the support they need.”

In the 10 minute film, the young people interact with elderly people and talk candidly about their experiences.

Clr Dave Cargill, board member for community safety, said: “We are very pleased with the way in which the film neatly illustrates all the projects.

“These range from the victim being able to directly confront the young offender at one extreme to the young person doing good works in the community.

“Frances Done was able to witness at first hand how local firefighters are working with young people, to help put right the wrong they have done.”

In the DVD, police and magistrates also express their views on fighting and dealing with crime.

Statistics show that offenders who are dealt with through restorative justice are less likely to reoffend, as they are made fully aware that there is no such thing as a victimless crime.