To mark the work, Mick Byrne, unit manager for the National Probation Service Lincolnshire, on Sunday presented a community payback plaque to parish councillor Graham Lewis.

From February until mid- March, offenders carried out painting and decorating at the church.

Mr Lewis wrote a letter of thanks saying: "My grateful thanks to you all for the splendid work done over the past couple of months at our chapel in Tydd Gote.

"You have transformed the decor into something really special and made a great impact on the appearance of the facilities.

"This was not only the chapel hall and its various rooms but also our coffee shop, kitchen and office – a task that would be beyond the scope of our aging fellowship and, as such, is even more appreciated by them all.

"Our little chapel is a meeting place for the local people and comments received by our users give us an indication that they are very pleased with the result."

Unpaid work is one of a possible 12 requirements which make up a community sentence imposed by the courts.

Last year in Lincolnshire, over 60,000 hours of unpaid work was carried out on community projects by offenders.

To qualify for this free labour, the placement provider must be either a charitable body, voluntary organisation, local authority, or, in some cases, a private business – just as long as the project is for the benefit of the community.

The unit is always looking for potential community payback projects.

If you have an idea in mind, contact 01205-312907 or click on the link to 'Nominate a Project' on the home page of

www.communitypayback.co.uk