More money will be available this year for summer activities aimed at diverting young people away from crime.

Education minister Ivan Lewis speaking at a Youth Justice Board conference on the role of education in reducing offending announced a new scheme, bringing together all the funding streams for summer activities.

There will be a 20 per cent increase in total funding, plus more money for key worker support from Connexions personal advisers.

Lewis paid tribute to everyone working with young offenders. He told them: "You are at the front line of our collective failure as a society. For many young people you are their last chance to take a different course. Every success you have is a… bonus for us all as taxpayers and people who fear crime."