The Clean-Up Week campaign saw thousands voting for projects where offenders will tidy up the environment.

They are being put to work on schemes such as regenerating public rights of way and clearing up cemeteries.

Home Office minister Paul Goggins launched the initiative at a graffiti removal project in Wigston.

'Properly punished'

The government said the week-long project was to raise the public's awareness and understanding of community punishments and sentences.

The minister said: "Community punishment is an increasingly important part of the criminal justice system, providing an opportunity for offenders to be properly punished for their crimes and perform valuable work that is of genuine benefit for the local community.

"The projects being carried out during Clean-Up Week are excellent examples of how the public can play an important role in identifying the best work for offenders to be given."

National Offender Management Service chief executive Martin Narey said: "It is very important the public fully understands the benefits of community sentences and Clean-Up Week is a great way of raising awareness of community sentencing.

"I am confident that the campaign will also see the completion of a number of important community projects around the country."