SETTING fire to buildings, smashing up cars and fighting because he was bored, 11-year-old James Robinson was heading nowhere but behind bars.

Fast forward a year and the transformation in the Allenton youngster was unbelievable.

Having been referred to the Enthusiasm Project in Derby, James was given a mentor who gave him an ultimatum: carry on and end up in jail or make something of his life.

James chose the latter and, by the age of 12, had changed his ways, taking part in DJ workshops and applying himself to his studies.

After leaving Noel-Baker Community School, in Alvaston, he enrolled on a youth worker apprenticeship.

Now aged 19, his job with the Enterprise Project as a trainee youth worker involves working with lawless youngsters similar to his former self.

His dramatic turnaround has landed him an Youth Reward Scheme award.

Speaking at an awards ceremony at the Mayor's Parlour, at the Council House, James, of Addison Road, Allenton, said: "It's nice to be recognised and it shows that my hard work is not going to waste.

"My life now is definitely better than before. It's funny because the kids I work with are doing the stuff I used to do. I can relate to them and I get a buzz out of helping them turn their lives around.

"It's important they have someone who listens to them. When I was referred to Enthusiasm my mentor, Karl Manaton, listened to me and that made the difference.

"If it wasn't for him and Enthusiasm I wouldn't be the person I am today."

Jyuddah Muzahura, of Uplands Avenue, Littleover, also received an award after achieving his dream of becoming a member of the UK Youth Parliament.

The 16-year-old said he initially failed in his quest at the age of 11 but his work on Derby Youth Forum led to him being chosen to represent Derby's youth in Westminster.

He said: "I'm quite shocked to win an award but am really pleased."

The Youth Reward Scheme is part of Derby's Challenge and Support Programme, led by Derby's Community Safety Partnership and Derby City Council.

The project has three strands – supporting young people in positive activities, dealing with youngsters involved in crime and anti-social behaviour and preventing them from getting into trouble.

Award nominations came from a number of organisations, including youth clubs, the police, Derby Homes and Merlin Boxing Club.

A number of youth groups also received awards. One was the Junior Wardens scheme, which has 70 young members who take part in litter picking and graffiti removal.

Members also help at fund-raising events, build positive relationships with the elderly and get training in health and safety, crime-prevention, recycling and team building.

Littleover Youth Club was acknowledged after organising a fun day that helped improve relations between young people and local residents.

Each individual winner received a £40 gift voucher and the groups were given £150 to put back into their projects or use for a team celebration.

Councillor Les Allen, cabinet member for young people's services at Derby City Council, praised the youngsters.

He said: "These young people are big assets to society and some of them have overcome huge personal hurdles.

"We're delighted to celebrate their achievement and acknowledge them as great role models for the city."