A FORMER criminal who was imprisoned for nine years for drugs supply offences is at the forefront of a new project to steer Bradford youngsters away from a life of crime.

'Naz' is one of the former offenders taking part in a pioneering initiative aimed at showing youngsters the harsh realities of criminality and prison life.

Bradford Centre of Excellence is based at Girlington Community Centre and uses theatrical sets, featuring a prison cell and a courtroom, to hammer home the anti-crime message.

Naz, now 34, fell into petty crime when he was at school and received his nine-year sentence in 2003. Since his release in 2008 he has tried to help young people to avoid a life of crime, spelling out his own experiences inside.

He said: "I found it difficult in prison. People don't realise what really goes on there - the bullying, the fighting, the gangs. I was stabbed. It was one of the consequences of my actions.

"I realised it wasn't where I wanted to be. When I got out I was involved in the MAGIC project (Manningham And Girlington Influencing Change) to help young people, and this is the next step.

"This is a big passion for me to keep people on the right road. This is my debt to society. If I can bring some young people through, then my years in prison won't have gone to waste."

The centre was officially opened yesterday and will run programmes designed and presented by former offenders and prisoners to young people across the district who are deemed to be "at risk." They will support them in resolving their problems and choose a positive future.

The programme involves role playing, using the sets which also include a living room where the journey to crime begins, a shop and a park where typically crimes can occur, and leading to the courtroom and prison cell.

Youngsters were given a tour of the centre today. One of them, 18-year-old Sheldon Pemberton, of Ravenscliffe, said he was on probation for committing burglaries and was a "step away" from jail.

He said: "I am at the crossroads. People say prison is easy, but this has been an eye opener. It has made me determined not to go there. I am going to look for a job, and I will be telling my friends to keep out of trouble."

Councillor Imran Hussain, deputy leader of Bradford Council, said: "Crime can blight communities and young people's lives. It comes at a huge financial cost. This is a very exciting initiative. It will give a real insight and a hard message to young people in a language they understand."

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: "Many young people aren't aware of the consequences of crime. Raising awareness is an important step in preventing crime."