A scheme to help female offenders get their lives back on track is being expanded across Sussex.

The Inspire Project, which is co-ordinated by Brighton Women’s Centre, has reduced women’s reoffending in Brighton and Hove in almost nine out of ten cases dealt with.

The project was recently visited by Government minister for crime prevention and Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes Norman Baker.

Brighton Women’s Centre director Lisa Dando said: “I’m delighted that the Inspire Project is expanding to help women across Sussex turn away from crime.

“Most experts agree that the criminal justice system needs reform – especially for women.

The Inspire Project has been running in Brighton and Hove since 2009 The work in East and West Sussex will involve commissioning two additional organisations to deliver services as part of Inspire.