They have been clearing graffiti and litter at sites across the area under the scheme, which is among the first of its kind nationally and has given 212 under-16s the chance to take part in clean-ups at weekends instead of paying a £75 fine for littering, graffiti and other enviro-crimes.

The project has been led by neighbourhood wardens since it was launched 12 months ago and has been hailed a success by council leaders.

Said Coun Danny McCrossan, portfolio holder for public protection: "Before we introduced this scheme we were concerned about how effective issuing a £75 fixed penalty to children would be.

"We knew in all probability that the parents would end up footing the bill and questioned what children would learn from it. I believe this form of restorative justice is much more effective than issuing fixed penalty fines to young people.

"It teaches young people the importance of respecting their environment and that there are consequences if they do not — the last thing teenagers want to do is give up their weekends to clean up litter or graffiti."

The clean-ups have involved children between 11-16 years old and, where possible, the punishment given has reflected the crime –– so those caught dropping litter would take part in litter picks.