OFFENDERS working on "Community Payback" have helped clear up and revamp allotments in York.

Hempland Lane Allotments Society asked for help from Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire Community Rehabilitation Company (HLNY CRC), and the offenders spent several weekends clearing undergrowth and tidying up un-used plots so they can be re-let, and helping out on a wildlife area.

They also helped clear out the "easy-access" bed for tenants who cannot physically do the work themselves, and community vegetable plots which supply food to the society’s shop.

Allotment society chairman Gayle Farrington said team did a fantastic job - so much so that welled up with relief and happiness at seeing the results

"The team then realised how much this meant to us and suddenly grown men were wiping tears from their eyes too. They arrived feeling they were being punished and they left feeling tired but with a sense of pride."

Projects can ask for HLNY's help via www.hlnycrc.co.uk.