The government has unveiled its latest plan to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour with a move that could result in 2000 young offenders being spared jail.

The latest offensive comes in the form of the intensive control and change programme which will force 18 to 20-year-olds "to pay something back to the community" after they offend.

Home Office minister Hilary Benn set out plans for extended community-based penalties for young offenders.

Under the scheme the offenders will be given mentors who, along with the police, will monitor their actions.

The offenders will be tagged, subject to a curfew and will have to take part in community projects.

"This tough and demanding community penalty aims to provide a credible alternative to custody," said Benn.

"Short-term custodial sentences with no support or supervision after release can't fully address underlying problems and provide limited opportunity for rehabilitation.

"This new community penalty will not only punish but will also directly tackle offending behaviour to reduce crime.

"It will not work for everyone, so we expect quite a few not to stick to their demanding programme.

"Breaches or any police intelligence that suggests they are getting into trouble will put them back into court, with the prospect of prison if they go on offending. All of this should help to improve public confidence."

Benn set out the new programme during a visit to London's South Bank where he accompanied a young offender engaged in a graffiti removal project.

The scheme is initially being launched in a series of pilots rolled out in five areas of England.

If successful, the project will be extended to South Wales this autumn.