A CRIME reduction charity is giving budding Jamie Olivers and Nigella Lawsons the chance to showcase their culinary skills.

The National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro) has launched a new cafe at the Lion Works on Wallisdown Road, Poole, aimed at giving young people the skills and qualifications they need to stay out of trouble.

Nacro’s team manager for Bournemouth and Poole, Elspeth Gregson, said: “We are giving 14 to 19-year-olds the skills they need to enable them to go on and pursue a catering career.

“Thanks to £30,000-worth of funding from Bournemouth and Poole councils, they can now prepare food in our new purpose-built kitchen and serve it in our cafe which is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am until 2pm.”

The Lion Works also boasts a state of the art media suite as well as foundation learning courses in subject including vehicle maintenance, maths, English and ICT, first aid and health & safety.

Elspeth told the Daily Echo: “Courses normally last 20 weeks but they can be tailored to suit individual needs.

“Nacro has a bursary scheme which pays for expenses and additional equipment; everyone who takes part in a course can apply.”

The new cafe called Five Four Three was officially opened by former Bournemouth mayor Ted Taylor who said: “I think it is fantastic that young people are being given these new opportunities.

“Finding a job in today’s climate is very difficult for school leavers and this should make the transition from school or college to the workplace much easier.”

Nacro works with young people before they get in trouble by helping them gain skills and qualifications. It also helps mentor those coming out of the justice system to get them back on track.