Young troublemakers are being given a shock to steer them back on the straight and narrow.

The offenders have been given a taste of the future by coming face to face with serving prisoners.

The "wake-up call" is the brainchild of the Swale Community Safety Partnership, who want to give wayward teens a true taste of life on the inside.

So far, one of the teens participating said: "I don't want to go in there!"

The first session at Sittingbourne police station saw three under-16s meet volunteers from Cookham Wood young offenders' institution in Rochester - the south east's main detention centre for under-18s.

Judy Unsworth, project co-ordinator said: "It just makes them stop and realise that they are going to be locked away with all their privileges taken from them - so that in itself brings it home to them.

"It isn't glamourising it in any way, shape or form.

"They're hearing from young people not much older than themselves, this is what's happening to me now and this is what could happen to you."

Any young person who has come to the attention of the Community Safety Unit because of their persistent bad behaviour can attend one of the meetings and those behind the project think it will also improve the rest of the family's quality of life.

Ms Unsworth, a joint family liasion officer added: "It can be total disruption. They don't know where to turn, they don't know what to do with that young person, they feel failures and they are quite often calling out for some kind of support."

The partnership believes it may have an impact on the rehabilitation of the prisoners too and their desire to remain on the straight and narrow once out of prison.

Ms Unsworth added: "Offenders have told me that they are eager to talk to their younger selves and encourage them to take a different path.

"This scheme gives them that opportunity - helping misguided youths see the real disadvantages of having their freedom and choices stripped from them, before it is too late."