Offenders doing unpaid work in public areas are now wearing high visibility jackets.

The scheme, which began in Ashford on Monday, is part of a national scheme to improve public confidence in the justice system.

Offenders working for their sentence under the supervision of Kent Probation will wear bright orange jackets branded with the Community Payback logo.

They are currently removing graffiti from around Ashford and working to improve the Wye Cycle track by clearing rubbish and painting recycling bins.

Rita Hockley, Community Payback operations manager, said: “Offenders are paying back for their crimes in a way that is highly visible to the public, enabling justice to be seen to be done.”

The scheme had originally been proposed by Louise Casey, the Government’s Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Adviser in June.