THE Highampton-based young offenders? rehabilitation centre C-FAR will hold a major conference in the New Year to encourage the business community to back its work.

C-FAR hopes to encourage businesses to offer practical help by taking on trainees from the centre.

The focus for this attempt to woo business leaders is planned to be a major conference which is to be held at Plymouth Pavilions in January.

C-FAR hopes to persuade more businesses to take on some of its trainees and give them workplace experience, which they believe helps cut the cycle of re-offending.

Among speakers at the conference will be Sir David Ramsbottom, the former chief inspector of prisons, businessman Ivan Massow, and Tim Jones, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Business Council.

The centre is currently being evaluated in a study by the University of Bristol, it hopes the findings of the study will support the case for central Government funding.

Anyone who would like more information on the conference entitled ?Crime: Partnership, Changes and Awareness ? the essential mix to address the causes and research the cures? which is due to take place on January 22, can contact C-FAR on 01409 231665 or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]