YOUNG offenders, police, councillors and council workers joined forces for a day of action in Tiptree.

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for street and waste services, told those involved: “The more days of action we do, the more people seem to get involved.

“This is a real opportunity to make a difference in the local community.”

As part of yesterday’s event, hedges and bushes on Tiptree Heath were pruned by two young offenders, helped by volunteers under the guidance of Joan Pinch, warden of the heath.

The public toilets in Rectory Road were refurbished by a group of people carrying out community service orders.

Anne Clark, community development officer, said: “A few of the offenders actually enjoy it, though they would never admit it.”

Colchester’s SOS bus was parked in Church Road, offering information on sexual health, giving up smoking and crime prevention.

Pupils at Thurstable School found out what happens to untaxed cars, when a crushed vehicle was left in the playground to make the point.

Mounted police rode out on the school field as the officers spoke to children about different aspects of their work.

Kate Cowling, assistant headteacher, said: “The police are putting a friendly face on what is going on.”

John Jowers, county councillor responsible for planning, said: “I don’t think Tiptree has seen such a community engagement event.

“We do tend to focus on urban crime too much.”

The Tiptree day of action was the fourth to be run in the Colchester area.