DO YOU have a shop that needs re-painting or wasteland that needs digging? Then a group of young offenders could provide the unexpected help you need.

Youngsters aged between 10 and 17 who have been given community service penalties will carry out a range of unpaid work as part of the Making Good Project in Redbridge.

A council spokeswoman said: "This could involve anything from refurbishing a community garden, or clearing churchyards and public alleyways to decorating charity shops and delivering crime prevention material to residents on home safety.

"The project is run by the Council's Youth Offending Team which works with young offenders who are on final warnings and court orders, on bail or in custody or who have just been released from custody.

"The team helps them confront their attitudes and behaviour and provides them and their families with support and constructive ways of avoiding further involvement in crime."

Youngsters on the scheme are currently taking part in growing vegetables for elderly people and other vulnerable groups.

Anyone who needs a helping hand should call Peter Drake or Audrey Johnson on: 8708 7800 or email: peter.drake@redbridge.gov.uk or audrey.johnson@redbridge.gov.uk.