More offenders are completing community service and avoiding jail

About 1,000 offenders a year on Teesside are given community service for a variety of offences from driving offences to burglary and theft.

Teesside Probation Service said in the last year successful completion of the punishments had gone up by 13%.

Officers also believe that the success of the scheme will reduce re-offending rates in the long term.

Offenders who fail to comply with the terms of their punishment face the courts and a possible prison terms.

Brian Thomas, assistant chief probation officer for Teesside, said: "Rates of community service being given out on Teesside have remained fairly static with the courts, but what we are seeing is a rise in completion rates.

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"The decision to give people a community penalty rather than give them a custodial sentence is one for the courts.

"I don't think it is an easy option. Offenders have to go out in the community and visibly make a contribution."

Community penalties, such as clearing overgrown pathways and canals, are chosen by the public.

Russell Portues, scheme manager for the community service unit on Teesside, said offenders were learning vital skills doing community service and giving them a head start in the world of work.