Keighley Cougars are using sport to help young criminals get back on the straight and narrow.

The rugby league team is running two projects to help Keighley offenders keep out of trouble and fit into the local community.

Sports sessions are being run in Keighley for over-18s on probation, and in prison for people approaching release.

Cougars project workers began coaching sessions last July at Wetherby young offenders' institution.

The aim was to build up relationships with offenders from the Bradford area so that sessions could continue after release.

The Cougars will provide ex-prisoners with one-to-one support and constructive activities through its Your Sporting Chance project.

Wetherby staff also want the Cougars to teach sport within the main prison to help adult prisoners gain qualifications.

The other project, Sportivate, is due to begin this month with about 20 over-18s who have been given probation orders or licences. They will sample a variety of sports coached by Cougars stars like player-coach Jason Demetriou and Michael Korkidas.

Sportivate, which also involves Bradford Council recreation officers, is funded by the lottery and is aimed at people who do not normally take part in sport.

Cougars’ Mary Calvert said that through taster sessions the participants could identify sports they were really interested in, and hopefully continue in the long-term.

She said: “We’re trying to give these people purposeful and useful opportunities to get involved in sports.” Mrs Carter said many offenders find it hard to take part in mainstream sport activities with other people.

Many had not taken part in healthy activities due to mental health issues, drug and alcohol misuse, or the cost of transport, equipment or gym membership.

Taking part in sport could improve offenders' confidence and self-esteem, and teach important life skills like teamwork, discipline and healthy lifestyles.