YOUNG offenders are digging up a treat for keen gardeners by clearing derelict allotments as a punishment for their crimes.

Lancashire Probation Service teamed up with Frenchwood Allotment Society for the big clean-up at the Manchester Road plots.

Already the community service workers have reclaimed four pieces of land which have been left untidy and unused for 15 years.

Society secretary Mick Moulding said: "At first the allotment keepers were a bit wary about them but it has worked out well.

"They have been working hard clearing brambles and rubbish. It's a punishment but we do make them feel welcome.

"They're repaying their debts to society which is the whole point. If we treat them as people it may go some way towards them not re-offending."

The group come to the end of four weekends at the allotments on Sunday (Nov 30) but it has been arranged for them to come back early next year. Eventually it's hoped they'll reclaim 30 plots to add to the 110 already there, to be rented out to members of the public.

Richard Crompton of Lancashire Probation Service said: "The workers have committed a wide range of crimes but I must stress are always under supervision.

"It's been extremely hard work for them. We're very keen to see offenders back in the community. It gives them some indication that there are other ways to use their free time and energies in a more productive way."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.