ENVIRONMENTAL projects around Darlington are benefiting from a scheme designed to make young offenders repay their debt to society.

More than thirty youngsters, who have been convicted of crimes including car theft and burglary, have been clearing paths and painting fences, as well as cleaning wheelchairs and scooters for disabled people.

The Youth Justice Service has set a target of 60 per cent of all young offenders referred to it by the courts or the police taking part in reparation programmes.

The schemes allow youngsters to work with the victims of their crimes, or the wider community.

From October to December last year, 90 per cent of cases referred to Darlington's Youth Offending and Community Safety Service took part in reparation schemes and, to date, more than 275 hours of work have been carried out.

Bill Dixon, the council's cabinet member for social services, said: "It is only fair that young offenders are made to realise the harm they have caused to the victims of their crimes.

"It is also fair that they should be made to pay for their actions.

"It is encouraging to see that many of the youngsters are responding positively to the scheme and are working hard to repay their debt."