The scheme has been hailed a success

The scheme, which has been running for the past six months, was set-up as a partnership between the probation service and the Council of Mosques.

It began as an idea to increase the fitness of elderly Asian men and help reduce the number suffering from diabetes, heart disease and strokes.

But when it was realised that they would struggle with the heavy workload the probation service offered help in the form of some of the offenders on its books.

'All about teamwork'

Marion Brett, of the probation service said: "The whole project has just come together with amazing results.

"When offenders can stand and see what there is here now after what there was it has to be worthwhile."

All of the offenders in the scheme are currently serving community punishment orders issued by the courts.

The flourishing partnership has already turned a piece of waste ground on Great Horton Road into a thriving allotment.

Brian Butterworth, who is involved in the project, said: "You come here and focus on things to do which I think is where [other] young people are going wrong.