It is thought to be the first time a council has had an Asbo lifted.

Leeds City Council said it was believed to be the first time an authority had asked for an Asbo to be lifted after making the original application.

Leeford Walker was made the subject of an Asbo in February, 2004.

The court heard he had turned his life around after becoming a father and is now a mentor for other youngsters.

He hopes to become a youth worker or a soldier.

Strength to strength

The original order was imposed on him after an operation tackling drug dealing, crime and anti-social behaviour in the Little London district of Leeds.

It prevented him from going into specific areas and meeting certain people and was due to run until February 17, 2009.

But council officers successfully applied to Leeds Magistrates' Court to have the Asbo lifted.

Denis Lewis, of Leeds Youth Offending Service, said: "Since being referred to us in November 2004, Leeford has gone from strength to strength.

"Not only has he turned his own life around but he also now attends the office on a voluntary basis to work with other young people who are referred to the unit.

"Who better to understand some of the problems these young people are experiencing?"

Mr Lewis said he worked through many of his "lifestyle problems" with the Leeds Youth Offending Service after the courts put him on an Intensive Surveillance and Supervision programme (ISSP) - an alternative to prison for serious offending.

Who better to understand some of the problems these young people are experiencing? Denis Lewis, Leeds Youth Offending Service

Mr Walker said: "The birth of my daughter and a move away from the area have given me new priorities and a different outlook on my life.

"Coming onto ISSP instead of receiving a prison sentence was a really positive step towards changing my attitude and behaviour.