BY IAN ROSS

POLICE Constable Julie Jackson is heading down under to see how her Aussie counterparts work with offenders.

Julie will be jetting off to Australia after winning a Travelling Fellowship from the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust.

She is one of 106 people to receive the 'Chance of a Lifetime' awards out of 1,700 applicants from across the United Kingdom.

The awards are given to enable men and women from all walks of life to acquire knowledge and experience abroad.

Juile, aged 28, lives in Congleton, and works at Macclesfield as a member of a youth offending team.

Part of her role is implementing a new initiative whereby offenders apologise to their victims and make reparations to the community.

The Australian police have been running a similar system for seven years, and Julie will see how it operates during her eight-week stay this autumn.

"I found out about the Churchill Trust when I was talking to an officer while on a prison visit," said Julie.

"I was delighted to be one of those chosen for a fellowship, and am very excited about the trip to Australia, during which I hope to do some sightseeing."

The fellowship will pay for the air fare, expenses and accommodation, and Julie will be based in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane.