The Criminal Defence Service (CDS) is to ask defence solicitors in Nottinghamshire to inform young people charged with an offence about the existence of an interactive service advising them on the consequences of crime.

The scheme will direct offenders to Rizer, a Web site, e-mail, text messaging and telephone helpline service offering impartial information.

It was developed by the Galleries of Justice in Nottingham with 1.1 million funding from the government's invest to save budget.

The move will be piloted in the county before a decision is taken on whether to involve solicitors across England and Wales.

John Sirodcar, head of the duty solicitor scheme at the CDS, said: 'Rizer is a unique initiative that gives vital information to young people in an engaging way and without lecturing them.

We believe it will be beneficial to pass on details of the site and helpline to young people who are facing a court hearing or trial.'

Rizer project manager Richard Dumbleton claimed the site has been a huge success in its first few months, with 5,287 visits and more than 80,000 hits in August, and monthly rises since then.

LINKS: www.rizer.co.uk