OFFENDERS in Swindon are making solar-powered lighting systems for schools in Africa under a pioneering Community Payback initiative.

Wiltshire Probation Trust has joined forces with local charity Lights for Learning to allow criminals sentenced to unpaid work to change lives and gain qualifications.

Dozens of light boxes have already been produced as part of the project, which was launched when Swindon mayor Coun David Wren switched on one of the systems last week.

Diana Fulbrook, chief executive at Wiltshire Probation Trust, said: “This is a ground-breaking initiative in so many ways.

“Not only is this a chance for offenders to take part in a worthwhile venture that is making a significant difference to the needy, but it also delivers important training opportunities that can help reduce reoffending.”

Lights for Learning, based in Cricklade, made the simple systems with volunteer labour for several years but decided to team up with the probation trust to increase production and better meet demand.

Supervised offenders based at the Community Payback Unit at the County Industrial Park have been assembling and testing the LED lighting systems. The project – the first of its kind in the UK – offers offenders the opportunity to learn new skills, including wire-stripping and soldiering, as well as gain an NVQ Level 2 qualification in Performing Manufacturing Operations. The systems will help to transform schools in countries including Kenya, Zambia and Uganda, which rely on dimmer paraffin lamps that are also unsafe.