A PROJECT which aims to divert young people from a life of involvement in serious organised crime has been handed a £1 million funding boost.

Action for Children’s serious organised crime early-intervention service works with 12 to 18-year-olds in Glasgow.

A recent review found 71% of young people who have used the service – delivered in partnership with Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council – were kept out of secure care for at least six months during involvement with the programme.

The project, said to be the only one of its kind in the UK, has been handed just under £1m over the next three years, with funding from the Big Lottery Fund matched by Glasgow City Council.

Paul Carberry, the charity’s current director for Scotland, said the service is “turning lives around”.