Offenders clean up their acts...

Offenders are giving back to their community by helping to tidy up parts of Gainsborough.

For the next six weeks, the offenders will be working in the South West Ward of the town as part of a partnership between West Lindsey District Council and Lincolnshire Probation Trust.

Community Payback sees community work carried out as part of the offender’s punishment from the courts.

Owner of Trinity Street Streat Café Brenda Mills said it was a fantastic scheme.

“It gives something back to the community. It is good to see the area clean and tidy and the work being carried out by people with happy smiling faces,” she said.

Ward Coun Trevor Young added: “The offenders have the benefit of being able to repay the community, and possibly learn new skills and the community benefits from the work which completed.”

Probation trust projects officer Nigel Harris said people should realise it is not just a punishment.

He said: “It is rehabilitation. Their work ethos is very good, and they can really see the difference of the work that they have done.”