CONVICTED young offenders in East Durham are doing their bit for their community by creating an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The offenders are at work turning an inaccessible beauty spot at the village of Dawdon, near Seaham, into a place the whole community can enjoy.

Work has involved clearing the entrance to the village's Hazel Dene and building steps to the area. It has taken 70 tonnes of topsoil provided by Seaham Town Council and months of work by the offenders to level and landscape the entrance area where it is hoped picnic tables will be placed.

Chairwoman of Dawdon Residents' Association Evelyn Green said: "The lads have worked hard on this project as they know it will benefit old people and mums and toddlers. At first, people thought of them as crooks coming in, but now they are accepted as the community service boys."

Assistant chief probation officer Roger Hill was also pleased with how the scheme had developed.

"Modern community service is about offenders contributing directly to the safety of local communities and people as a repayment for their offences," he said.

"This initative involves the probation service, local council and residents working together to improve quality of life for local people by reducing crime and fear of crime."