The bold move is part of a groundbreaking new scheme being piloted in Denbighshire.

North Wales offenders will wear the bibs so the public can see them repaying their debt to society with one of the first projects taking place at Denbigh Football Club.

Denbighshire is one of the six areas in England and Wales to be chosen to pilot the Citizens' Panel project to give the public more say in the work done by offenders.

"We want to raise public awareness and the visibility of the work done by offenders," said Liz Hughes, the North Wales Probation Area's Community Service Area Manager.

"The use of distinctive clothing for offenders will make it easier for the public to identify where community payback work is taking place.
"As a result, not only will justice be done but it will also be seen to be done," she added.

With the new scheme in place the county council was able to call on the probation service to provide a team of offenders for a big job at the club.

The offenders got stuck into the football clubs perimeter which had been used as a dumping ground and a target for anti-social behaviour.

Two fences have now been pulled down by the offenders and the 150-metre strip of land has been cleared after being ordered by the courts to do work that is of benefit to the community.

Jonathan Williams, 19, was one of the offenders who was involved in the project.

"We have been taking fences down and chopping down the undergrowth so it looks tidier," said Mr Williams.

"It's been really hard work but I'm glad that we are making a difference because it's an important facility for local children."

Chairman of Denbigh Football Club Clwyd Williams was pleased with the offenders work and said the area they worked on was an eyesore and near the entrance so the work has benefited the club.

As part of the six-month pilot project, local representatives are being asked to nominate projects to be undertaken by offenders.

Former police officer Roly Schwartz, who is now Partnership Manager for Denbighshire County Council has given the scheme a big welcome.

He said part of the reason that most of the team find themselves in the position in the first place is that idle hands make for mischief.

"I know full well that they will be very proud of what they have achieved, particularly when they see the new fencing," added Mr Schwartz.

John Wright, a Project Development Officer with the Probation Service, was delighted by the positive response of the team.

"Projects like this are what community payback is all about and it has been a great way to get the pilot project under way because everyone is a winner!" he said.