WORCESTERSHIRE County Council’s chairman mingled with offenders as he watched them carry out community work at a Stourport respite home.

Gordon Yarranton visited West Mercia Probation Trust to see the group carrying out Community Payback, in which offenders sentenced by the court carry out unpaid work for crimes they committed.

The seven offenders rolled up their sleeves to refurbish the gates, mow and strim the lawn and clear moss from the drive of Worth Crescent, a home for people with learning difficulties.

Mr Yarranton, who spoke to some of the offenders while they worked, said: “Everyone deserves a second chance and this does a lot more good than a short prison sentence.

“Having spoken to the lads it is really good to find out that the public approach them and are appreciative and supportive of what they are doing.”

Stanford Reeves, West Mer - cia Probation Trust supervisor, added: “One of the best things is that this is Com - munity Payback in the community.

“Some of the lads on the work party actually live round here so they are doing some good for their own community.”

The trust has been working with the home for eight years and has set up a partnership agreement.

Manager, Morgan Price, said he was grateful for the work Showing support: Gordon Yarranton, third from left, watched offenders the offenders did as there was a lot of maintenance work to be carried out at the home.

“The partnership arrange - ment is mutually beneficial, “ he said. “They do a good job here and we get value for money and the offenders get an opportunity to develop new skills and feel valued.”