The contact room at the Social Work Services' offices at Irish Street, Dumfries, have been transformed thanks to those carrying out unpaid work.

The female art group, from the Community Payback Unit at King Street, worked on the murals for two days a week for six weeks, while large toy boxes were made by male service users from Unpaid Work and painted by the groups.

The designed was overseen by supervisor Chris Moody.

The new design sees the room with a Peter Pan theme, drawing on the strong link the children's story has with the area.

Interim Chief Social Work Officer, Sean McGleenan, said: "I suggested that we should have a Peter Pan theme because of J M Barrie's link with Dumfries. Plus it is a perennial favourite with children and families, so I'm sure it will bring a smile to their faces. We are always keen for people to tell us what kind of Unpaid Work they would like to see carried out in their communities."

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Chair of Social Work Services, Councillor Andy Ferguson, added: "It is important that those carrying out Unpaid Work can see that they are contributing to their communities in a positive way. Many children and families will use this room over the years so the room should be as welcoming as possible. This shows the variety of Unpaid Work that can benefit our communities and service users."

Unpaid Work can be carried out in a number of jobs in the community including:

• Clearing pathways of snow or ice

• Building eco-plant areas for school children

• Building and renovating garden furniture for community projects and schools

• Renovating land for use as allotments

• Repainting community centres or churches

• Market gardening and distributing the produce to care homes and local charities

• Art work which is sold and the profits donated to charity

• Grass cutting and clearance of local rights of way

• Graffiti Removal

• Working in a group or individual basis for local charities

• Cleaning of public places.

During Unpaid Work it is hoped that the skills learned will assist Unpaid Workers to find employment and to reduce or stop offending.

(JP/CD)