OFFENDERS are doing their bit for society by helping to clean up run-down parts of a North-East town.

They are being used to tackle a range of environmental issues, such as fly-tipping and overgrown hedges, as part of an initiative launched in Hartlepool this week.

The Neighbourhood Improvement Project, a partnership between Hartlepool Borough Council and the National Probation Service Teesside, was launched on the Throston Grange Estate.

The council's neighbourhood action team identifies problem locations to the probation service and offenders then carry out the work as part of their community punishment orders.

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond said: "I am delighted that we are building on our existing close links with the National Probation Service Teesside.

"It enables a range of work to be carried out that might otherwise have to wait and it also means that local offenders will be making amends by putting something back into the community."

Craig Thelwell, the council's neighbourhood action manager, said: "We think it will have a significant impact on the appearance of the town and the lives of local people."

Russell Porteous, scheme manager (community punishment) with the National Probation Service Teesside, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Hartlepool Council. The scheme means that offenders are helping to improve their local communities, while learning new skills."