VOLUNTEERS who help criminals and victims meet as part of a restorative justice scheme have been recognised for their hard work.

The Restorative Together scheme has supported crime victims around Wiltshire since 2016.

It aims to repair the harm caused to victims by putting them in contact with those who wronged them and helping them find closure and a way forward.

Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson first commissioned the scheme which works alongside the criminal justice system.

He said: "One of the most important elements in my role remains putting victims and witnesses at the heart of everything we do and I am proud that our restorative justice volunteers and the important work they do can be celebrated.

"I understand how important it can be to victims in getting questions answered and helping them express the feelings they have as a result of crime.

"The restorative justice work these volunteers do alongside our PCSOs and officers can make a real difference to the criminal justice system, resulting in possible positive outcomes out of what is originally a bad place.

“Nationally 85 per cent of victims are satisfied with the outcome of a restorative justice process, and we know it can also lead to a reduction in reoffending as offenders realise the full impact of their actions.”