Jamal Haynes has graduated from the Off Da Streets project and is set to start a mechanics course at college in September.

The 18-year-old, from the Hemmingwell area of Wellingborough, said: "It has made such a difference as it has encouraged me to better myself and discover my full potential, rather than just hanging about on the streets.

"I would have been hanging around the street corners getting caught up in trouble and probably could have ended up going to prison.

"I am happy because I cannot wait to start my course and mechanics is something I have always wanted to do as I am a practical person."

Off Da Streets was set up by the West African Caribbean Association and provides mentoring and life skills for young people, aged between 13 and 25.

Youth director Benjamin Henry said: "The idea of the project is to get young people off the streets and give them somewhere to go and something positive to do with their time.

"When young people come here they have somewhere safe to be and can aspire to something instead of falling into trouble.

"We are open on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 4pm until 10pm, which is the time young people are most likely to get themselves into bother."

Off Da Streets was launched earlier this summer and focuses on entertainment, education and employment to help young people gain life skills and qualifications.

A team of volunteers provide sport and musical activities with the hope of leading young people into education and the workplace.

Mr Henry said: "Jamal is a key example of the good the project can do.

He will be presented with a certificate for being our first graduate, and I hope he is the first of many.

"Obviously not everyone can follow in his footsteps,but as long as they are here, young people are in a safe environment.

"They can enjoy themselves as well as making a positive contribution to the community, by volunteering."

The project is run from the Rock Street Community Complex, Wellingborough.

It aims to encourage young people to look at their employment prospects, find out about apprenticeships, and work on their CVs with a view to getting a job and paid salary.