A REQUEST is being made for ideas of work for young offenders to undertake while on probation for crimes.

The North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service has youngsters aged between ten and 17-years who do the work as punishment.

Over the last year 137 young offenders have carried out 1,370 hours of service such as litter picking, weeding, mending gates and removing graffiti.

In some cases the offenders have done direct work for the victim of their crime.

County councillor Caroline Patmore, executive member for youth justice, said: "Meaningful reparation projects give young people the opportunity to pay back to the community for their offending.

"The likelihood of re-offending is also reduced by giving them new skills and confidence, which help them make more positive choices and lead them away from trouble."

Suggestions for schemes to be done should be sent to the Youth Justice Service team.

Contact Emily Rumney or Iain Walker on 08450-349497 or Danielle Barker on 08450-349478 for more information.