Number of young prisoners at lowest level in YJB records

Latest figures show there were 2,203 under-18s in custody in December 2009 – a fall of nearly 1,000 from the peak of 3,175 in October 2002.

Penelope Gibbs, director of the Prison Reform Trust's campaign to reduce the number of children in custody, said: "The figures show we are beginning to make real progress but Britain still locks up too many of its young and vulnerable children.

"In England and Wales children as young as 12 are imprisoned for non-violent crimes."

The Prison Reform Trust has launched the website www.outoftrouble.org.uk, which aims to engage people in helping to reduce the numbers in child custody further.

The website gives up-to-date information on the campaign to reduce child and youth imprisonment, including publications and information on what people can do to make a difference, as well as all the latest youth justice news and statistics.

"Through our new website we aim to help our supporters keep up the pressure for reform," Gibbs added.