500 days of community service completed this year

More than 3,500 hours of unpaid work will be completed by criminals on the Isle of Man this year. 

That's according to the Department of Home Affairs which says the community service equates to 500 days: 

The department says the community service orders - which are given as a direct alternative to custody - are helping to reduce re-offending. 

Projects include rejuvenating Island plantations, glens and beaches as well as sprucing up leisure facilities. 

Minister Juan Watterson says it's not a "soft option":