CHILDREN are being encouraged to become Good Samaritans in their community with the promise of treats in exchange for kind deeds.
The Hester's Way Partnership has launched a scheme where youngsters aged eight to 11 can earn rewards by devising and carrying out positive work in their community.
For example, weeding a garden or running errands for elderly neighbours would be rewarded with a trip to the cinema or a picnic in the park.
The Dreamscheme was launched on Wednesday and is initially for up to 12 pupils referred by their schools – Hester's Way Primary, Rowanfield Junior and Springbank Primary Academy.
Andy Hayes, manager of the Partnership, a charity which was set up to improve Hester's Way, says the scheme will benefit the young people involved and the wider community.
He said: "The projects will be selected and organised by the young people and may include events with refreshments, car washing and garden weeding.
"The rewards will also be chosen by the young people and will be related to the time taken on the agreed projects. These might include supervised picnics in the park, a trip to the lido or the cinema."
Based at All Saints Academy in Blaisdon Way, the project runs every Wednesday afternoon and has two dedicated staff, as well as volunteers who will help when needed.
Hester's Way resident Margaret Turner, 68, believes the scheme is a "marvellous idea".
She said: "There are older people in the area who find it hard to get out and do their shopping or take care of their garden, so if a young boy or girl could help them, they'd be very grateful.
"I think the children who take part in this will certainly start thinking more about their community and develop a social conscience, which is brilliant."
The Dreamscheme was first launched in Sheffield in 1995, and the Hester's Way initiative is backed by local housing providers Guinness Hermitage and Bromford, as well as Cheltenham Borough Council.