Young offenders hooked on crime will be taught to fish by a Welsh police force in an effort to keep them on the straight and narrow.

The scheme has been devised to encourage troublesome youngsters to take up a relaxing hobby and divert them away from crime.

Former world champion coarse fisherman Ian Heaps has been given the job of teaching the young offenders how to fish.

The project has been developed by Dyfed-Powys Police and involves youngsters who have committed minor offences.

'No soft option'

A force spokesman said the aim was to divert youngsters at risk from crime or anti-social behaviour.

However, the stressed the scheme would not be a "reward or soft option".

Mr Heaps, who won his world championship crown in Poland in 1975, volunteered to take part in the scheme after attending a public meeting with the police.

"When these youths come along they will be provided with tackle and I will teach them to fish," said Mr Heaps.

"Hopefully they will get hooked.

"It's a way of putting something back into the sport and keeping kids off the streets.

"I get as much fun teaching others to catch fish as I do when I catch one myself," he added.

The project will be run at Mr Heaps' fishery, Holgan Farm, near Narberth, west Wales.

The expert angler expects to spend about one day a week catching carp and tench with the youngsters.