PEOPLE who have a "degree in life" are being urged to join new youth offender panels to help prevent teenagers becoming involved in trouble again.

Community helpers are being asked to team up with a Youth Offending Team officer to meet youngsters who admit a first offence.

The panels, which will be set up all over the county, will draw up a contract between the young offender, his or her family and, wherever possible, the victim.

It will include a range of activities and restrictions designed to deal with offenders, prevent them re-offending and repair the harm done to the victim and wider community.

The campaign, one of the biggest steps to be taken in Worcestershire in dealing with young offenders, will be complete by next year.

"We'll set up 20 panels in different places across the county, including Worcester, Pershore, Evesham, Kidderminster, Stourport-on-Severn and Leominster," said Peter Heath, team leader for referral orders for the Youth Offending Team.

"We are looking for down-to-earth, common sense people who want to get involved with this - members of the community who possess a degree in life, not a university degree.

"They will need to give up around three hours a week for about 40 weeks a year, but we are flexible."

Nationally, the Home Office and Youth Justice Board are looking for 5,000 volunteers for youth offender panels.

The campaign was officially launched by the Government on Friday, but should be complete on Monday, April 1, 2002.

Eleven pilot schemes have already been set up across the country in areas including Oxfordshire, Nottinghamshire and Suffolk.

"In court, solicitors speak on the young offenders' behalf but the youngsters will be agreeing with members of the panel on the contract," added Mr Heath.

"A range of issues will be agreed, such as an apology."

Anyone interested in further information on being a community panel member should call Mr Heath on 01905 732241.