Young offenders are being sent out into the community to make amends for their crimes under new court orders giving victims a say on punishment.

The new sentencing options were introduced at the start of June as part of a nationwide shake-up of the youth justice system.

They include a 'final warning' handed out by police, which involves the drawing up of a rehabilitation programme to prevent future offending.

Cases dealt with so far include a 13-year-old boy from Bradford who conned people out of money by pretending he was collecting for a sponsored walk.

The charity concerned, Cancer Research, was consulted about his punishment and the teenager went back to the area to hand out Cancer Research leaflets door-to-door.

Other sentencing options include a 'reparation order', which ensures young offenders take responsibility for their actions by making amends to the victim or community concerned.

Staff from the Bradford and District Youth Offending Team (YOT) have been working with courts and police across the district to get the best out of the new orders.

YOT manager Paul O'Hara said: "We are doing some interesting work with young people, particularly when it comes to making amends for their actions.

"Victims are contacted and asked for their views. We are getting some positive feedback from victims and young people are beginning to acknowledge what impact their crimes have on individuals and the community."

Figures for the last three months show police in the Bradford district have handed out 81 final warnings and the courts have issued 41 reparation orders.

Examples have included video apologies and offenders becoming involved in local environmental projects, repairing bicycles for distribution into the community and helping to care for people with disabilities.