ONE in every four hours of community punishment ordered by judges and magistrates in North Yorkshire last year has not yet been served.

The annual report by the county's Probation Service found that of the 112,747 hours of voluntary service handed out during the last year (ending April), only 85,164 (75 per cent) actually took place.

Probation bosses today blamed the missing hours on the fact that many offenders were still working on their sentence when the figures were collected.

They said that only a "minority" of cases involved convicted criminals who breached their orders by not turning up or meeting the guidelines.

These people would have been re-sentenced, with the work uncompleted, and may well have been sent to prison which is seen as a direct alternative to community work.

A spokeswoman said: "The difference in figures between hours ordered and hours worked reflects the fact that some offenders will still be working on their sentence and have yet to complete all their hours ordered.

"Additionally, in a minority of cases, offenders may have breached their order. For example the offender does turn up to complete their community punishment order, and in which case they are returned to court and re-sentenced."

In the last year, more than 1,050 orders that involve some form of community punishment orders were started.

Community punishment projects included the renovation of old buildings, construction of play areas in schools and the provision of luncheon clubs for the elderly.

Meanwhile, chief probation officer Roz Brown said the annual report demonstrated how the service's work reduced crime and protected the victims of crime.

Mrs Brown said the service had continued to build on its excellent relationship with the police, particularly in relation to the management and monitoring of dangerous offenders. She said: "Our annual report shows that

probation provides a law enforcement and public protection service in North Yorkshire.

"We take pride in the way we have demonstrated that our work reduces crime and protects the victims of crime.

"Our work makes a real difference to the lives of the public in North Yorkshire. It is important work and we do it well."

:: How the projects benefit North Yorkshire's communities

Community punishment projects include:

York: Bell Farm luncheon club and biscuit charity.

York Community Services set up a luncheon club at Bell Farm Social Hall on most Sundays and every Wednesday, starting in October last year.

Due to its popularity, the club has developed shifts for community service workers as part of its service to the community.

Community punishment work teams have also raised funds by making and selling hand-crafted biscuits and cakes for the social hall at St George's School, Children In Need and the Tsunami Disaster Appeal.

Ryedale: The Malton foyer project at The Sidings provides safe and affordable housing for 17- to 25-year-olds in Ryedale.

Although the project is run by the YMCA, it is supported by community punishment work parties who carry out painting and decorating.

When accommodation units become vacant, the offender teams completely redecorate them within two days to the requirements of the new tenant under the guidance of a YMCA interior designer.

Harrogate: The probation service provides a Sunday lunch service to elderly members of the Dene Park community centre in Bilton. The lunch consists of a three- course meal, prepared, cooked and served by a team of offenders with the assistance of a community service supervisor.

After the meal, the offenders clear tables, wash dirty pots and ensure that the kitchen and dining areas are left clean and tidy.

Whitby: Dalewood House, in Whitby, is a respite unit for clients with varying levels of physical and learning disabilities.

The community punishment teams are involved in the tidying and general upkeep of the gardens. In the future they may also get involved in the internal maintenance of the building. The offenders are also invited to join the residents for lunch when on site.

Updated: 10:48 Thursday, August 11, 2005