A TORBAY-WIDE police scheme which rewards young people who have carried out good deeds is celebrating its first anniversary.

Motiv8 was inspired by Paignton teenager Kirsty Ogborne who suggested police give out 'fixed penalty tickets in reverse' to people seen doing good things.

She submitted the idea to the police stand at Devon County Show in 2008, when the constabulary asked young people to come up with initiatives to promote good behaviour in the community.

A year after it was launched, the scheme has seen 185 tickets issued to youngsters up to the age of 18 across the Bay.

Good deeds have included raising more than £1,000 for Help For Heroes charity; litter picking for an hour in the pouring rain in a local park and helping a woman who was taken ill in hospital by clearing land in her garden and growing food for residents.

Brixham's Sgt Dave Casley said: "We've had a great response from officers and other agencies over the last 12 months.

"Young people contribute so much to the community and it's great to have a way of rewarding them.

"We look forward to seeing many more good things this year."

Police officers, police community support officers, street wardens and fire service staff hand out the on-the-spot reward tickets when they see young people doing something good.

They are then considered for a voucher for a high street shop and a certificate presented by police.

PC Tracy Sharam, who runs the scheme from Paignton police station, is distributing posters to schools, community centres and areas of interest. For a Motiv8 poster call Tracy on 08452 777 444 or email her at tracy.sharam@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

For more information visit www.yrspace.info/motiv8