The bright orange jackets worn by Community Payback offenders have become a common sight around the island but just how effective is this new form of punishment? Martin Jefferies finds out more in the third of our Summer Justice special reports.

Hard at work grinding down tree stumps and tidying a park in Ramsgate, Alan, whose full name we have protected, makes a telling statement: "This will definitely make me think twice about a life of crime."

He is just one of 62,000 people around the UK who contribute to Community Payback every year.

This innovative and highly visible form of punishment, administered locally by Kent Probation, allows people to have their say on how criminals should put right their wrongs by voting for worthwhile local projects.

Work like Alan's may be demanding, dirty and drawn-out - he was given a 150-hour Community Payback sentence for skipping court - but it seems to be having the desired effect.

According to official statistics, the Ramsgate resident isn't the only one deterred from a return to his troublesome past.

The re-offending rate among those slapped with a community sentence is an impressive 38 per cent, significantly less than those given a short custodial sentence, around three in five of whom fail to learn their lesson.

Meanwhile, members of the public are able to see criminals punished for actions - a key part of Kent Probation's 'Justice Seen, Justice Done' initiative.

Government figures reveal that seven in ten local people think offenders should be identifiable, while 88 per cent believe their punishment should involve tough, physical work.

Another positive side effect of Community Payback is the new opportunities, such as extra training or further education, it opens up for those sentenced to the scheme.

"The officers from Kent Probation are a great group of people and they run some excellent programmes for us," says Alan. "They've put me forward to get my CSCS [Construction Skills Certificate Scheme] card which I'd usually have to pay for. They're helping me get my life back on track."

Alan, whose punishment has also included painting railings and litter picking in Margate's Dane Park, has also been left with a warm sense of pride at his achievements.

He adds: "It makes me feel good when I look back and see how we've improved the area. I painted the large metal container on Madeira Walk and whenever I walk past I think to myself, 'yeah, I did that'."

To suggest a Thanet site that would benefit from Community Payback intervention, visitwww.kentprobation.org.

Alternatively, visit a Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meeting. These take place at the Mayor's Palour, Margate, from 6pm-7.30pm on Monday, August 24, and at Albion House, Ramsgate, from 7pm-9pm on Wednesday, September 2.