A SUBSTANTIAL grant, split two ways, has helped secure the future of C-FAR ? the Centre for Adolescent Rehabilitation newly based in Highampton.

The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation has awarded a sum of £160,000 towards the purchase of Burdon Grange. This leaves C-FAR with approximately £200,000 to find to secure its new home based in Highampton.

The foundation has also ring-fenced a further sum of £40,000 from the Rethinking Crime and Punishment Programme, for the ?future development? of the concept in other parts of the country.

The grant is the culmination of six years determined and sustained efforts.

Chief executive, Trevor Philpott said: ?I am delighted and truly grateful to the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation for this grant.?

He said the foundation has always ?been appreciative of the ethos of C-FAR?.

?They have always supported us. The timing now is perfect and we can go forward positively to achieving a Centre of Excellence.?

Mr Philpott said the purpose of the ?Rethinking Crime and Punishment? programme was to help people think about the way crime and punishment are dealt with in the UK.

?The statistics clearly indicate that the current processes are not particularly effective. Vast sums of money and lives are being wasted and the fear of crime is increasing. There is an urgent need to introduce alternatives,? said Mr Philpott.

He said the C-FAR ?life change? programme represents a significant attempt to introduce positive ?change?.

C-FAR is currently looking to commence a £1.2million refurbishment of the premises at Burdon Grange and is actively seeking partners, sponsors and donations to help kickstart this massive programme.

Richard White, head of project development, said that whilst financial assistance is essential, there are many other ways in which business and individuals could help.

?We would love to hear from anyone who wishes to know more about our immediate and future projects. We can be contacted on 01409 231665,? he said.

l C-FAR welcomed nine new trainees on January 8, the 19th course run by the organisation since it took its first group in June 2000.

C-FAR believes the next couple of months will be a progressive and exciting time, with visiting Government Ministers from the UK and overseas.